China Entertainment’s rescue plan is hard to come by

Chapter 991 The Game [Two-in-One]

While Sun Yi and Liu Yifei were feeding each other to strengthen their relationship, a very important meeting was taking place at CCTV, which is less than ten kilometers away from the Starry Sky headquarters.

The topics of the meetings all seemed very similar, concerning the selection of the chief director for this year's Spring Festival Gala.

Arts and Culture Center, Large Conference Room.

The long, deep red conference table gleamed with a cold light, illuminating several faces with varying expressions.

Seated at the head of the table was Zheng Chaoyang, the director of the Arts and Culture Center. He looked to be under sixty, with a thin frame reminiscent of someone recovering from a serious illness, but his hair was neatly combed, and his gray suit was pressed without a single wrinkle.

His brows were furrowed, and his right index and middle fingers were unconsciously tapping the calendar open in front of him. The calendar page was October, and today, which is the number 8, was circled in a large red circle with the date 1.31 scribbled next to it.

Obviously, it refers to next year's Spring Festival.

To his left sat Hu Weimin, the senior director Yu Yuanshan had mentioned, who was also a deputy. He looked to be about the same age as Zheng Chaoyang, but a little overweight and with a gentle, confident smile on his face.

He has served two terms as deputy director of the Arts and Culture Center. He is experienced and has a wide network of contacts. Especially this term, Director Zheng was unwell and went away for recuperation on and off for more than a year. He only fully resumed work two months ago. During this period, he was basically in charge of all the big and small matters in the center.

And sitting directly opposite him on his right was Yu Yuanshan, the newly appointed deputy director who had been transferred less than half a year ago.

At this moment, he sat upright with a notebook open in front of him, in which he had already written several lines of small print, roughly summarizing today's meeting.

Next up is Ha Wen, the chief editor of the program department, who was also the general director of last year's Spring Festival Gala, as well as the heads of several key departments such as the technical coordination office, production team, and office.

"Well, today is the first day after the holiday. I wonder how everyone here had their holiday?"

Zheng Chaoyang, who was sitting in the main seat, cleared his throat, stopped tapping his fingers on the table, and glanced at everyone in the conference room.

"I haven't had enough rest!"

"I believe everyone here has studied and understands the instructions given by the station's leadership at the previous office meeting. The station director emphasized that this year's Spring Festival Gala must present a fresh look! It must be a genuine reform and innovation, and it must respond to the expectations of the general public. This is not only a political task, but also the ultimate assessment of the performance of our Arts and Entertainment Center this year!"

He paused, his tone growing increasingly forceful, and slammed his knuckles on the table.

"Today is the 8th, and there are less than 115 days left until the Spring Festival Gala is broadcast live. During the shift handover meeting this morning, the leader asked me about the progress, and I couldn't answer. Now, I'm asking you all, can anyone tell me?"

The conference room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; the only sound was the soft hum of the air conditioner. Several department heads lowered their heads in unison.

"Comrades, time waits for no one!"

Zheng Chaoyang's voice suddenly rose, and his fingers tapped on the calendar with a "thud".

"Planning, assembling a team, soliciting programs, rehearsals, review, technical integration, dress rehearsals—which step doesn't take time? But right now? We haven't even decided on the most crucial one—the director!"

His gaze sharpened as he turned to the left: "Old Hu, you personally visited Director Feng Xiaogang several days ago. What's the situation? Why is there still no follow-up? What exactly does Feng Xiaogang mean?"

All eyes in the conference room immediately focused on Hu Weimin.

The habitual faint smile on his face faded slightly, but not completely disappeared. He replied calmly, "Director, I truly went to Director Feng's place with the utmost sincerity from the center. Director Feng also attaches great importance to the Spring Festival Gala stage, and we had a very in-depth discussion."

He paused briefly, seemingly choosing his words carefully. His gaze, behind his glasses, swept over Zheng Chaoyang's tense face, then over Yu Yuanshan and Ha Wen, before continuing:
"However, Director Xiaogang also had his considerations. His main point was that the Spring Festival Gala is too important and involves too many aspects. If he really wanted to take on this responsibility, he hoped to have a relatively clear and relaxed creative space. After all, the director is responsible for the final artistic presentation. If there are too many ideas, too many restrictions, and the direction is erratic, the director may end up at a loss, and the result may be a mess, which would betray the trust of the station and let down the audience across the country."

His words sounded reasonable and were entirely from the perspective of being responsible for the effect of the gala and the director. However, the phrases "too many ideas, too many restrictions, and the baton swinging wildly" were like soft thorns, precisely piercing into a possible excessive intervention from within the center or from higher levels.

Zheng Chaoyang's brows furrowed into a deep frown.

He understood Hu Weimin's subtext: Feng Xiaogang wasn't entirely unwilling to take the role, but he wanted power, autonomy, and didn't want to be a puppet director.

"How much autonomy does he want? In what specific areas?" Zheng Chaoyang pressed, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger.

Hu Weimin shrugged, a hint of helplessness in his smile:

"Director, Director Feng didn't go into too much detail. But it was roughly about artistic conception, program selection, and the formation of the core team members. We hope you can consider some of his personal ideas. Of course."

He quickly added, "Director Feng is a sensible person and will definitely abide by the red lines of thematic orientation and safe broadcasting. He also understands the need for necessary review procedures."

He passed the ball back to Zheng Chaoyang, and did so skillfully—expressing Feng Xiaogang's core demands while firmly placing the hot potato of "whether to give power" and "how much power to give" back in front of Zheng Chaoyang.

Silence fell over the meeting room again. Harvin looked down at his notebook, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the corner of the page. Several department heads kept their eyes down, seemingly lost in thought.

Those who can survive in such organizations are the best at reading the political winds; in times like these, absolutely no one will step forward.

Zheng Chaoyang's fingers began tapping on the table again, this time at a faster pace than before.

He certainly understood the key to this: to delegate power to Feng Xiaogang. The question was, how much power to delegate?

The Spring Festival Gala is not a movie production crew; it involves too many balancing and considerations. After delegating power, will it get out of control? Will it trigger more intense internal conflicts? If the final result is not satisfactory, or if there are any oversights, this decision to "delegate power" will be Zheng Chaoyang's primary responsibility.

Moreover, this is the first time in recent years that the Spring Festival Gala has chosen to "hire" an external chief director, and there is no precedent for this in any aspect.

The risk is too great.

He surveyed the conference room with a hint of the old wolf's authority, his gaze sweeping over each face before finally speaking: "So, what are everyone's opinions? Should we delegate this power? And how much?"

Faced with Zheng Chaoyang's question, no one in the conference room responded; everyone passively waited to be called on.

"Haven, you were the chief director of last year's Spring Festival Gala. What are your thoughts?"

After a brief silence, Zheng Chaoyang called out Ha Wen's name.

As the chief director of last year's Spring Festival Gala, regardless of how well she directed it, she has no way to avoid this question today.

"Director, I believe that the Spring Festival Gala is not just an ordinary variety show; it is a national-level cultural project, a spiritual feast for Chinese people around the world on New Year's Eve. Its primary task is to convey correct values ​​and positive energy, ensuring its educational significance and its function of uniting and celebrating."

She paused, glanced at Zheng Chaoyang, then at Hu Weimin, but deliberately ignored Yu Yuanshan, and continued:

"That's why the director's authority must be placed within a controllable framework that prioritizes stability. I don't agree with excessively delegating core artistic decision-making power to external directors, especially those who are not familiar with CCTV's complex workflow and censorship requirements. Last year, when I was directing, I was under a lot of pressure and heard many different voices, even criticism from many ignorant netizens."

Her tone carried a strong sense of self-awareness, "But I think that for the sake of the 'stability' of the Spring Festival Gala stage, we, the people in our center, can bear some criticism. Because we understand better where the red lines are and how to balance the needs of all parties. The Spring Festival Gala is a program watched by men, women, young and old across the country. We cannot abandon its broader social responsibility and guiding function just to please a certain age group of viewers."

These words, spoken with grandiloquent conviction, were entirely positioned on the high ground of political correctness and professional ethics. They were practically an explicit opposition to giving external directors excessive autonomy.

In fact, from the perspective of the entire arts and culture program center, everyone is fundamentally opposed to hiring an external general director.

The most important task for the entire department throughout the year is the Spring Festival Gala. If you bring in an external contractor, what need is there for them to exist?
Once is fine, but what about twice, or three times?

You should know that once something like this happens once, it will happen again.

Will the department gradually become marginalized within CCTV? Will it lose the treatment it received from other channels, which was half a level higher?
Their treatment, benefits, and even their future promotion prospects are all matters of concern.

Who wouldn't want that?

But there's nothing that can be done about the problem; who dares to say no to the station director's demands?

Don't be fooled by the hidden daggers in Harvin's words; they're only within the inner circle.

Sure enough, she changed the subject immediately after saying those few words.

"Of course, Director. The station leadership has clearly instructed us to innovate and create something new and outstanding, and we must resolutely implement this spirit. If the final decision is to hire an external director, our program department will fully cooperate and provide excellent service."

"If you ask me," her gaze seemed to fall unintentionally on Hu Weimin, "if we have to hire someone from outside, then Director Feng Xiaogang is indeed an experienced choice."

"He and Huayi have worked with us for many years, and they know each other very well, so communication is smooth. Moreover, with his qualifications and abilities, he should be more reliable in handling such a large-scale event as the Spring Festival Gala. The key is to clearly define the boundaries of authority and responsibility, and give the director some creative space within the framework of ensuring safe broadcasting."

Her remarks were a masterful combination of establishing and dismantling. She first emphasized the importance of "stability" and "internal leadership," blocking any path of radical decentralization. Then, she expressed unconditional support for the leadership's decisions and for innovation. She then subtly pointed to Feng Xiaogang as a "safe" external candidate and implicitly supported Hu Weimin's earlier suggestion of "giving him some space."

This approach not only maintained the internal stance dominated by "our own people" below, but also fully complied with the meeting's theme and leadership requirements, and even secured support for the more senior Hu Weimin.

It's practically a textbook for those within the system.

After hearing Ha Wen's remarks, Hu Weimin's faint smile seemed to become more genuine.

He nodded slightly and replied:
"Comrade Ha Wen experienced it firsthand last year, and her understanding is profound, and her considerations are very thorough. The stability of the Spring Festival Gala is indeed the top priority. Director Feng's experience and sense of proportion are evident to all. If he is given the necessary trust and creative space within a clear framework, I believe that with his abilities, he can create something new that satisfies both the leaders and the audience while maintaining stability."

Their exchange was seamless, leaving no room for error. The pressure seemed to be subtly transmitted back to Zheng Chaoyang. Zheng Chaoyang glanced at Hu Weimin and Ha Wen without showing any emotion, remaining silent, though he felt a throbbing pain in his temples.

Actually, his original intention was to have multiple directors to choose from, but Hu Weimin directly blocked the selection, leaving only Feng Xiaogang.

But he couldn't say anything yet, after all, in China, there are only a handful of people who can reach Feng Xiaogang's level.

He either didn't have much interaction with the others, or he wasn't inclined to take the initiative to invite them. After all, he was the official director of the CCTV Arts and Entertainment Center—a deputy bureau-level official.

The problem now is that if we use Feng Xiaogang, we have to deal with his demand for power, which is tantamount to acknowledging Hu Weimin's only choice.

There's nothing too wrong with the choice of personnel, it's just that I'm not feeling quite comfortable with it.

No need, he can't afford to waste time, and he won't be able to explain it to the station leaders.

After weighing the options for a while, with a last glimmer of hope and a sense of inquiry, I looked at the other side of the conference table, at the new deputy director who had barely spoken since the start of the meeting.

“Director Yuanshan,” Zheng Chaoyang’s tone softened slightly, “you haven’t been at the center for long, but I’ve heard you’re quick-witted and have some connections in other departments within the station. I wonder if you have any new developments or other ideas regarding the selection of the Spring Festival Gala director?”

Instantly, all eyes, filled with curiosity, scrutiny, and doubt, fell upon Yu Yuanshan.

Hu Weimin picked up his teacup and blew on non-existent tea leaves. Ha Wen also looked up at him.

Yu Yuanshan could sense the meaning behind those gazes.

He knew that this was a choice he had to make. If he went up, it meant that he had taken a step that belonged to him, Yu Yuanshan, at the Arts and Entertainment Center. If he retreated, everything would remain the same, and he would still be his new deputy director.

He sat up straight, trying to keep his voice steady, but his heartbeat still quickened a bit.

"Director, colleagues," he began, meeting Zheng Chaoyang's gaze candidly, "I have indeed privately inquired about and contacted several directors. However, I haven't received a very clear, definite answer yet. Everyone is quite cautious about this position; there are many factors to consider."

"Whom did you contact? Tell me in detail."

Zheng Chaoyang pressed on with a gentle tone.

It's not that I'm afraid of not speaking, it's that I'm afraid of not opening my mouth.

Yu Yuanshan took a deep breath, knowing he had to reveal his hand. He steeled himself and said clearly, "I contacted Director Sun Yi of Starry Sky Pictures mainly through some personal connections."

"Sun Yi?"

Zheng Chaoyang paused for a moment; this name was clearly not on his first-tier shortlist.

Not only him, but everyone else in the conference room felt the same way.

Sun Yi? The Sun Yi who made movies? The one with *Wings of the Sky* and *Gravity*? How old is he? Is he even thirty? Has he ever directed a gala? Does he understand the different types of variety shows? Does he know how many roles are involved in the Spring Festival Gala or how many departments need to be coordinated?
This is almost everyone's first instinctive reaction.

People acknowledge that Sun Yi has risen to fame in recent years and that his professional skills in film and television are indeed outstanding. He is also quite famous, especially due to his marriage to the popular star and national goddess Liu Yifei.

But they've seen plenty of celebrities. Movies, in the grand scheme of things, have a high margin for error; they can be filmed repeatedly. If one take is wrong, just do another.

But the Spring Festival Gala is a live broadcast, so there has to be zero mistakes.

Sun Yi is so young, is he capable?

A brief discussion broke out in the conference room.

Unlike the others, Zheng Chaoyang's eyes suddenly flashed with interest after his initial surprise.

Sun Yi? This name represents something quite different.

Young, energetic, with a top-notch domestic film industry team, successful commercial works and international collaborations, and most importantly, he and the Starry Sky Image behind him symbolize "innovation" and "closeness to the youth market"—which perfectly aligns with the instructions of the station's leaders to "create something new and outstanding" and "attract a wide range of young viewers"!

"Director Sun Yi?" Zheng Chaoyang leaned forward slightly, his tone inquisitive, and asked Yu Yuanshan, "What's his attitude? Is it possible he'll accept the role?"

Before Yu Yuanshan could even answer the question, Hu Weimin and Ha Wen were both surprised.

Is Director Zheng trying his hand at this?

Seeing Zheng Chaoyang's reaction, Yu Yuanshan felt a little more at ease, but he didn't dare to speak too definitively. He gave a wry smile and decided to tell the truth:

"Director, to be honest, Director Sun's attitude was very cautious. He didn't refuse on the spot, but said he needed to consider it carefully. And..."

"He also made it very clear that if he were to take over, his biggest concern would be the actual scope of the director's authority and responsibilities. If he were just a figurehead or faced numerous restrictions in actual operation and was unable to truly implement some innovative ideas, then it would be of little significance to him and might even affect the progress of other important projects in his company, which would be a loss."

These words were more direct, more impetuous, and more "harsh" than Hu Weimin's account of Feng Xiaogang's meaning. They directly pointed out the core contradiction between "power and responsibility" and "restrictions," even implying an attitude of "not doing anything without real power."

Hu Weimin's lips twitched down almost imperceptibly. Ha Wen frowned, clearly disapproving of Sun Yi's "bargaining" attitude.

The other department heads also wore expressions of shared indignation.

What do you mean? Do you mean our arts and culture center is a restaurant where you can order whatever you want to eat?

Zheng Chaoyang's expression was also not good.

It's all about power again! Feng Xiaogang wants it, and Sun Yi wants it too! And Sun Yi seems to have a more justified way of asking.

To give it or not to give it? To give it to Feng Xiaogang? Or to Sun Yi? Or... give it to neither and then have to bear the consequences ourselves?

Giving power to Feng Xiaogang could lead to internal imbalances and unknown risks; giving power to Sun Yi might be even riskier—he's too young and lacks experience in galas, can he keep things under control? Can he balance the relationships between the various parties? But his advantages are so clear: on the one hand, he aligns with the station leadership's call for "innovation," and on the other hand, he can help create internal balance.

Time passed in silence, and every second seemed exceptionally long.

Zheng Chaoyang felt sweat beading on his forehead.

The pressure from the station's leadership, the pressure of the Spring Festival Gala countdown, and the internal tug-of-war between differing opinions were like several ropes twisted together, making it hard for him to breathe.

He glanced at the glaring red circle on the calendar, then looked at his subordinates, each with their own thoughts.

Hu Weimin remained calm and collected, Ha Wen's attitude was clear but he was driven by a selfish desire to protect his own territory, while Yu Yuanshan offered a new option with high risk and high reward.

We can't delay any longer. A decision must be made.

Zheng Chaoyang abruptly raised his head, his eyes devoid of any hesitation, replaced by a resolute determination, as if he had already committed to a desperate gamble. He surveyed the conference room, his gaze piercing, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable force, each word striking the quiet room like a hammer blow:
"Since everyone wants access and everyone is worried about being restricted..."

He paused for a second, as if making a huge decision, and then said:

"Then give it to me!"

The word struck like a thunderclap in the conference room. Everyone was stunned, including Yu Yuanshan, who had brought up Sun Yi. They hadn't expected that Director Zheng, known for his prudence, would make such a bold, even radical, decision under immense time pressure and clear instructions from the station's leadership.

"However," Zheng Chaoyang added immediately, his tone stern, "giving authority doesn't mean abandoning responsibility! It means, under the absolute premise of adhering to the correct direction, ensuring safe broadcasting, and complying with all propaganda disciplines, giving the chief director ample decision-making space and leadership in areas such as artistic creativity, program innovation, and technological application! All departments and offices within the center must change their mindset, positioning themselves as service providers and guarantors, fully cooperating with the chief director's work, and must not outwardly comply while inwardly resisting, nor create obstacles!"

All eyes turned to him, awaiting his final answer.

The power has been delegated, but who will be chosen in the end?

Hu Weimin could no longer remain calm and spoke directly, "Director!"

Unexpectedly, Zheng Chaoyang waved his hand and looked sharply at Yu Yuanshan.

"Director Yuanshan!"

"Yes!" Yu Yuanshan responded immediately.

"You, immediately contact Director Sun Yi formally!" Zheng Chaoyang ordered. "Convey our attitude to him clearly and completely! Invite him to the center as soon as possible for formal talks to finalize all the details of the cooperation! Tell him that as long as he is interested, has ideas, and is willing to take on this responsibility, the station, the center, and I personally will give him our full support!"

"Yes, Director! I'll take care of it right away!" Yu Yuanshan suppressed the shock and a hint of excitement in his heart and immediately expressed his opinion.

"The meeting is dismissed!"

Zheng Chaoyang announced loudly, then, ignoring the complex expressions and differing thoughts of the people in the room, he stood up first and walked out of the conference room without looking back.

(End of this chapter)