This top guy is crazy!

Li Zhuo asked when he didn't understand:

Are you really planning to participate in the final episode of Chasing the Wind?

Cheng Cheng nodded.

Li Zhuo:

"But even putting aside past grievances, from a purely commercial perspective, you haven't taken on any variety shows in a long time. The offers you're getting now are all S+ projects from top platforms. What level is 'Chasing the Wind' now? If we participate, it will only lower our value."

Cheng Cheng looked at Li Zhuo and smiled:
"If I don't participate, how will others know that I am tolerant?"

If I don't participate, how will others know that I have reached a height that they cannot reach?
"Wealth and honor not returned to one's hometown are like wearing brocade at night—it's like wearing fine clothes in the dark. Some comparisons must be made public to have a sufficient impact."

Li Zhuo stood there stunned for a moment, then thought about it and realized that it did make sense.

Then she said:
"Okay, but even if you want to participate, we can't let them think it's too easy or too taken for granted. The final editing rights, the right to veto the on-site process, and the control over the publicity strategy must all be firmly in our hands to ensure that this episode is completely under our control. We can't let them manipulate the narrative like we did back then."

Cheng Cheng nodded.

Li Zhuo was indeed his capable assistant. No matter how casual his decisions were, she could always find the flaws and fill in the gaps, clearing away all potential risks and maximizing his benefits.

He said:

"Okay, then you take charge."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Yuhang.

One week before the recording of "Chase the Wind, Boys".

This was their last attempt, and everyone on the production team believed that Cheng Cheng would never respond again.

In the studio, Director Liu smiled wryly. Yes, how could he possibly hope that Cheng Cheng would agree?
Now, Cheng Cheng is a completely different person. So many S+ projects are offering him sky-high contracts and begging him to participate, but he refuses. So why would he appear on this show that betrayed him back then?

He had already anticipated that Cheng Cheng would not agree.

After all, it was just an experiment, so there doesn't seem to be anything to be disappointed about.

But—Director Liu still felt a sense of disappointment.

He genuinely wanted to invite Cheng Cheng to give the show a respectable ending, and to create one last sensation in the final episode.

But just then, his phone screen lit up.

When Director Liu saw the name that called, his heart almost stopped!
He frantically grabbed his phone, pressed the answer button, and said in a voice filled with extreme caution and a secret anticipation:
"Mr. Li? You wanted to see me?"

"Hmm," came Li Zhuo's voice from the other end of the phone, devoid of any emotion. "Director Liu, I've relayed the message about your invitation for the final episode of your program to President Cheng, and it has also been evaluated internally."

Director Liu's palms instantly became sweaty, his heart leaped into his throat, and he even held his breath: "And then what?"

Li Zhuo said, "In principle, President Cheng can coordinate his time to participate in the recording."

With a loud 'boom'.

Director Liu felt his head go white; the overwhelming surprise had stunned him.

Holy crap!

Cheng Cheng actually agreed?!

Actually, when Li Zhuo said that "the message has been delivered to President Cheng and has been evaluated internally," he had already guessed what was going on. After all, if it were a refusal, Li Zhuo wouldn't have made this call.

But when the result was announced by Li Zhuo, he still felt incredulous.

He was about to say something when Li Zhuo changed the subject, saying:
"However, there are a few preconditions that your production team needs to accept." Director Liu hurriedly assured him, "Please tell us! Please tell us! As long as we can do it, we will definitely cooperate fully!"

“Okay, then I’ll get to it,” Li Zhuo said. “First, we will send a dedicated person to the post-production team, who will have the final review and veto power over the final cut. No shot that is detrimental to President Cheng will be allowed to appear.”

Director Liu:

"Okay, that's acceptable."

He expected this.

Li Zhuo continued:
"Secondly, all procedures during the recording process, including game segments and scripts, must be submitted to us for review 48 hours before recording. We have the right to veto any on-site procedures, and if any unauthorized improvisation occurs, Mr. Cheng has the right to refuse to cooperate."

Director Liu said, "No problem."

This is reasonable and acceptable.

Li Zhuo: "Third, all publicity materials, including press releases, social media posts, and trailer edits, must be finalized by us. Before and after the program airs, no program staff or guests are allowed to hype topics such as 'reconciliation of the century' or 'apology' in their personal capacity."

Director Liu gritted his teeth.

He could accept the first two conditions, but the third condition had crossed the line. However, he also knew that now it was them begging Cheng Cheng, not Cheng Cheng begging him, so he had no room for negotiation.

He said:

"Okay, that's fine too."

Li Zhuo then said:

"Fourth, regarding remuneration, based on the special nature of this cooperation and Mr. Cheng's current commercial value, our offer is 8000 million."

"hiss--"

Director Liu gasped in shock.

You should know that their biggest star regular guest this season only cost around 20 million for a whole season of 12 episodes, while the rest of the smaller stars cost between 300,000 and 5 million. Yet Cheng Cheng asked for 80 million.
This is their entire season's budget!

And it's only the first phase!
Li Zhuo said, "Don't think it's too much. Many production companies offer President Cheng hundreds of millions in fees just to have him make a cameo appearance in a film or television series, but President Cheng has not agreed. 8000 million is already a very low price."

Director Liu looked extremely conflicted, his mind in turmoil.

This number was far beyond his authorized scope, but he dared not give up this only opportunity to make the show a huge hit at the end, and it was not only about the show, but also about his chance to reconcile with Cheng Cheng.

Li Zhuo didn't give him much time to hesitate, saying, "If you can accept these conditions, I can have the legal department prepare the contract right now. If not—"

"Yes! I can accept it!" Director Liu replied almost immediately.

Although 8000 million was beyond his authority, it was impossible for him to give up Cheng Cheng.

He decided to act first and inform the station's leaders later, determined to persuade them no matter what.

He said, "I'll do everything as you say! Absolutely no problem!"

“Very good.” Li Zhuo nodded. “I will have my legal department send you the contract as soon as possible. Remember, Director Liu, if any problems arise, we will withdraw immediately and pursue legal action for breach of contract.”

"Understood! Understood! Don't worry, Mr. Li! We will execute the contract 100%!" Director Liu assured him repeatedly.

After hanging up the phone, Director Liu let out a long sigh of relief and leaned back in his chair, feeling utterly exhausted.

On the other side, Li Zhuo snorted coldly.

She didn't want Cheng Cheng to be on the show, didn't want him to appear on the show that had hurt him, but since Cheng Cheng had already made his decision, she could only comply unconditionally.

But that didn't stop her from still feeling a deep-seated disgust for the show, for everyone on the production team, and for the guests! (End of Chapter)