Actor: Thank you.

"What is it, Sisi?"

At home in Hubei Province, the grandmother asked her granddaughter.

What are all these?

My granddaughter was overjoyed.

But Grandma felt that the show wasn't very good.

The older generation came from that incredibly vibrant and revolutionary era.

In their youth, the most brilliant stars of humanity in 5000 years of Chinese history appeared in one fell swoop.

After being influenced by what they saw and heard, many people's values ​​are completely different from those of later generations of young people.

The simplest example is the classic novel "How the Steel Was Tempered".

Its protagonist, Pavel Korchagin, is a noble man, a man who has transcended vulgar interests, a true Bolshevik.

But people in the new era would find such a person "strange," and the values ​​of the entire book would be out of step with the times.

According to the book, Pavel's direct superior was Dzerzhinsky, who was also Stalin's comrade-in-arms and had spent time in prison with him.

He was a veteran of the Cheka, the predecessor of the KGB.

Even if you read through the entire book, you still wouldn't find that this person has any bureaucratic airs; he acts like a progressive worker or peasant.

If someone had that background and status now, imagine how much trouble they would have caused.

But many of the older generation are like that.

Not to mention China, across the ocean in North America, Roosevelt's four sons all served in the war, as did the sons of Patton, Eisenhower, and others.

That would be absolutely impossible now.

The loving father's eldest son died in a concentration camp, and things are not much different here.

Today, figures like Pavel Korchagin are considered pedantic, neurotic, and mentally ill.

Because the book portrays him as Ukrainian, and given the broader context of Russia and Ukraine, many people have begun to stigmatize the book "The Steel."

Times have changed, and people's values ​​have changed, especially among young people.

Three generations of a family watching TV.

Grandma felt that none of the questions these women asked were related to the male guest himself.

What do money and houses have to do with what kind of person a person is?
Liu Xiaoli felt that the show and the female guests were really undignified; they could have at least left one light on.

She didn't feel ashamed to talk about money or housing; material life is a necessity.

Although she has always had good conditions, there was still a big gap between China and other countries when she was young.

Therefore, Liu Xiaoli has certain material aspirations.

In addition, if she had the looks and figure from twenty years ago, all the female guests on stage combined wouldn't be enough for her to fight.

I just think these people are so rude.

But for Sisi, it was pure music.

Because after three generations, by the time it came to her, she no longer needed to worry about material things.

I've never lacked food, clothing, or necessities since I was a child.

Having a piano in the 80s and a computer in the 90s meant you weren't an ordinary family.

In just a few decades, China has not only experienced rapid economic development and progress, but also accelerated the changes in social thought.

"Grandma, didn't you want to meet the person who delivered the carpet to you?"

"This is it."

"Who?"

"what!"

Grandma was still asking when Liu Xiaoli realized what was going on.

"Is he the one wearing the mask?"

"Sure, he said there was something fun to do and told me to stay glued to the TV."

Sisi was so happy she almost choked; it was even more fun than she had imagined.

What made her happiest was that Zhang Yuan had all his lights turned off.

They usually have a smug look on their face, but there are times when you get the short end of the stick.

Although she understood that Zhang Yuan was doing this on purpose, she still found it amusing.

"Since all the lights are off, there's no need for us to continue the introduction."

After gesturing to the 24 female guests, Meng Fei, who has a large bald head, turned to look at Zhang Yuan, who was wearing a "Boiling Sheep" mask.

"Now, please let our male guest remove his mask and make his grand entrance!"

The result is predictable.

Under the spotlight, Zhang Yuan removed his mask, eliciting gasps from the entire audience.

The cameramen were well-prepared, pointing several cameras at the female guests to film their reactions after their identities were revealed.

Zhang Yuan told the people at Jiangsu TV that everyone could help each other.

I have my own ways to make the show even more popular.

The solution is to "take risks."

He has always been willing to sacrifice himself.

For variety shows, the most important thing is the effect.

From Meng Fei to Le Jia and Huang Han, the two commentators in the audience, and even the on-site director and screenwriter, they all actually knew.

They just deliberately didn't tell the audience or the 24 female guests on stage.

Zhang Yuan also made the same request, fearing that the people's reactions wouldn't be genuine if he told them.

What we want is "authenticity".

The things he said were meant to evoke these people's "negative emotions."

He initially said he lived in the capital, but it was soon discovered that he lived in the suburb of Lixian.

He wasn't lying. Brother Qian's horse farm is in Lixian, and he paid for it; it's his own territory.

His educational background is also true; he didn't study at the Central Academy of Drama or the Beijing Film Academy.

Although he wanted to go, and both schools would surely be happy to accept, he simply didn't have time to attend classes right now.

The only way to supplement this is through "after-class IV fluid therapy" with Cheng Hao.

As for "doing odd jobs".

He was referring to temporary work, which could last from a few weeks to a few months.

Film crew work is indeed temporary, not fixed-time or fixed-location, and the duration varies, and no one pays your social security.

However, it's not entirely wrong for women to interpret it as "doing odd jobs."

It means the income is slightly higher than that of a regular day laborer... well, just a tiny bit more.

He doesn't have a stable job and prefers to stay at home.

This is also true.

And it's a fact that staying at home is due to being afraid of seeing people.

Zhang Yuan can't easily go out on the street now, because he's too easy to be photographed.

As for being treated as mentally ill, he said he likes to imitate various characters at home.

Because that's my job; when reading a script, I have to immerse myself in the characters' inner world.

Therefore, in theory, everything he said was true, and he didn't lie at all.

Language is merely a means of transmitting information, and any means of transmission is one-sided.

Why do superpower works always feature abilities like mind reading?

It's about people wanting to truly understand others.

But that's impossible in real life.

Most people don't even understand themselves.

Just like these 24 female guests on stage.

Do they really want luxury cars, mansions, and rich, handsome boyfriends?
Perhaps so, but most of these needs are influenced by external factors and are inexplicably added to one's wish list.

I want to have everything that others have, and I also have a bunch of other needs to satisfy my vanity.

What kind of partner do I really want?

do not know.

Being confused means not knowing what you want at all.

In contrast, gold diggers have clear goals. Whether it's Tian Pujun or Li Jiaxin, they know exactly what they want, which makes them much better than ordinary girls.

Since taking office, Zhang Yuan has only faked two things.

First, there's his physical appearance.

Whether it's the mask on their face, the deliberate hunching, or the sluggish gait.

These were described as "creepy" by the female guests.

The truly despicable people are those who appear respectable and well-dressed, yet are filthy at heart.

Another one is about his ideal woman.

He was referring to Joey Wong and Brigitte Lin, because they are from a different generation than her.

It's okay if I tell them. Even if my two older sisters find out, they'll just laugh it off and might even find him quite cute.

He is unlikely to have any interaction with either of them.

Even if a "scandal" occurs, there's no follow-up.

Why didn't he mention Gong Li, who is also a generation younger...? Because there really is a scandal between them!
The key is not to mention peers.

Whether it's Fan Bingbing, Li Bingbing, or Zhou Xun, whom she collaborated with, the news would spread like wildfire the next day.

Moreover, it's not easy to manage internally either.

He had to say that his ideal type was Fan Bingbing, and Cheng Hao would have to call him every two hours.

"I don't think your relationship looks a bit normal."

Joey Wong and Brigitte Lin are better examples; they are two iconic figures.

It not only stimulates female guests but also resonates with most men of this era.

Because Zhang Yuan was willing to "go all out" for the deal with the station.

But he's just putting on a show. If he shows up in person, no one will turn off their lights and they'll be eager to have him.

It can also bring in huge traffic.

But it generated far less buzz.

Do what you say you will do.

I said I'd make this show a hit, and it has to be a hit!
Moreover, I cannot allow my image to become negative just for the sake of "fame".

not worth it.

After all, it's easy to ruin someone, but difficult to be a good person.

So his strategy was to "not pander to women, but instead stand on the side of men."

"Now you all regret it, right?" Meng Fei said with a smile, pointing at the women. "But the lights are out, there's no going back."

The scene was filled with cheers, and people kept calling his name.

"Thank you, thank you everyone." Zhang Yuan clasped his hands together and greeted the audience.

"Zhang Yuan, I'm your fan."

"If I had known it was you, I would never have turned off the light!"

I've liked you for many years.

At this point, the women picked up the microphones and began to speak, expressing their goodwill.

“But you’ve already turned off the lights,” Zhang Yuan replied.

"That's because they didn't know it was you, wasn't it?"

“But that’s me.” Zhang Yuan pointed to himself: “I’ve just temporarily shed my external image.”

"Show your true self."

"But you're a celebrity!"

"You make a lot of money!"

“A few years ago, before I debuted, I didn’t have any money either.” Zhang Yuan shook his head: “If I were standing here a few years ago, I would have been rejected too.”

“I was once penniless, unemployed, and had nothing to do. I spent my days hiding in a small, damp rented room with no future in sight.”

"Just like many young men these days."

“In their daily lives, they also get rejected by many girls.”

"Now, no girl should be turning off her light for you anymore, right?" Meng Fei joked.

"No, no, no, no one can please everyone."

"As long as I haven't 'turned off' myself, that's fine." He replied.

Do you have any unique insights into love?

"Just like an ordinary person."

The more the better... No, just find someone you like.

"He's quite good at pretending; I didn't even recognize him just now," Liu Xiaoli said while sipping tea in front of the television.

"I think he's right. How can a young boy have a car and a house?"

“If we use this as the standard, then young people shouldn’t get married at all.” Grandma agreed, and roughly understood what Zhang Yuan meant.

In the early days after the founding of the People's Republic of China, everyone was poor and exhausted, and the whole country was extremely poor.

When men and women date, most people are attracted by the other person's good health, good character, and good social standing.

The so-called "good class background" refers to the working class and peasantry.

Just like Uncle Benshan said in his skit "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow", the only electrical appliance in the house is a flashlight.

Later, with the advent of the "three turns and one sound" (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument), it became necessary to have items to accompany one's wedding.

It also depends on whether the other party is a farmer or a worker, and whether they have an urban or rural household registration.

Now, you need to own a house, and it would be even better if you could own a car.

Later on, RVs became "essential," along with dowries and jewelry.

Earning over 10,000 yuan a month is the bare minimum, and you might even be looked down upon.

Programmers are criticized for lacking romance.

Civil servants are criticized for not earning enough.

Freelancing is considered unstable.

People like Pavel Korchagin, who are selfless, indifferent to fame and fortune, have no personal assets, and do not use their connections to gain privileges for enjoyment, are not fools, but are regarded as monsters.

On the other hand, people like Ximen Qing have plenty of admirers and admirers.

Pan Jinlian became a role model for women pursuing freedom...

Mental corruption can be more deadly than physical injuries or illnesses.

"Oh..." Sisi stopped smiling after hearing her grandmother's words.

So that's what he meant...

After thinking for a while, she ran to her room and called Zhang Yuan.

"Hey, I saw your performance on that show."

"Is this interesting?" Zhang Yuan asked with a smile.

"That's interesting. Not only is the show interesting, but you are too."

"And what you said is also interesting. When people interact with each other, are they interacting with each other or with each other for material things?"

“Sigh…” Zhang Yuan sighed when he heard her say that.

She's been reading a lot of books on mind and philosophy lately, and Zhang Yuan is worried that she'll overthink things.

"First of all, you have to remember that this is just a show."

"I was just expressing my own feelings, which might resonate with a little bit."

"But ultimately, no one can be completely pure; external conditions are also part of a person."

He was only on the show to "create a persona".

It is approachable and relatable to ordinary viewers, especially male viewers.

His question is valid, but separating a person from their material possessions is simply wishful thinking.

It's just that you shouldn't laugh at someone who doesn't have a material foundation yet.

"But if we do that, won't the female guests who turn off their lights get criticized?" Sisi thought for a moment.

"Let them curse. They're paid; that's what they're earning."

You've already made money, why do you still want to be shameless?
That's what you call shameless!

"Besides, I'm giving them a chance to become famous, okay?" Zhang Yuan replied with an embarrassed smile.

They should thank us!

Having the label "rejected Zhang Yuan" gives you a lot of prestige.

"You've never refused me, how much face do they have?"

"Don't be arrogant," Sisi said with a simple smile.

“I was afraid that if you behaved like that on the show, you would be criticized.”

"Don't worry, it won't happen."

Zhang Yuan thought to himself, "He's still cursing me?"
It would be a failure if you didn't flatter me!

The program aired the following day.

The headline "Zhang Yuan, Annihilated" appeared prominently in major print media and internet portals.

"Holy crap, he got all his lights turned off when he went up there?"

"How high are women's standards these days?"

"Damn it, all women these days know is gold digging!"

"God, please give me a good woman who doesn't like money."

It resonated with far more than just a little bit.

The social conflicts at this point are actually quite intense.

News of various cases of men keeping female college students as mistresses is commonplace.

Some experts have even suggested that young women should marry men 20 years older than them.

The person who made this suggestion was a middle-aged woman...

Ordinary men have long been burdened by materialism.

Zhang Yuan essentially spoke for them, allowing them to express their true feelings.

Meanwhile, the female audience members... were even harsher in their criticism!
The criticism wasn't directed at him, but at the female guests.

"Are those human eyes or assholes? Turn off the lights."

"I feel so sorry for Zhang Yuan, he was actually rejected by a bunch of monsters."

"They're so materialistic, they're a disgrace to us women."

This immediately sparked widespread online discussion.

It's gone viral!

I wasn't going to read it or know anything about it before, but this news made me interested.

A famous celebrity was rejected on a dating show?

I have to go check this out!

Jiangsu TV was ecstatic.

Online search volume exploded, and the topic became incredibly popular.

The direct result was that advertisers flocked to the show's offices, practically wearing down the threshold!
Mr. Lu called Zhang Yuan, wanting to invite him to be the third guest from the audience and to stay on stage long-term.

They offered a fee of 50 per episode.

Zhang Yuan said he wasn't interested.

The other party thought he meant "more money is needed", and kept raising the price, eventually giving him 150 million per episode.

Based on this calculation, he could earn tens of millions in a single season.

But Zhang Yuan still refused.

His excuse was that he had too many film contracts, which were already signed, and he simply didn't have the time.

Actually, I just don't want to go.

This show is popular, but we can't keep relying on it.

Because the topic was "too sensitive"... it was actually for the sake of the show's effect, creating many images of materialistic women and flaunting men.

Other TV stations followed suit, and major satellite TV stations all produced similar programs.

In just six months, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television has already lost its temper!

They directly issued two targeted regulations: the "Notice on Further Regulating the Management of TV Programs on Dating and Marriage" and the "Notice on Strengthening the Management of TV Programs on Emotional Stories."

The show "If You Are the One" was specifically criticized.

He was even featured on CCTV's "Focus Interview" and "News Broadcast," where he was criticized directly.

Am I just going to stay here and get scolded too?

I really can't throw away all my dignity for money, since I still need to make money based on my looks.

Knowing when to quit while you're ahead, I'm outta here...

Because of this, he had to guide the audience towards the correct values ​​on the show, deliberately placing himself in a "vulnerable" position.

That way, even if the broadcasting authorities curse him out, it won't affect him.

Anyway, he's already got what he wanted: the exclusive internet rights to the show.

Now is the perfect time to accomplish the task and leave without a trace, concealing one's merits and fame... (End of Chapter)