Back to the prime of life

Chapter 176 Speaking the Truth

The air in Nanjing in November was already chilly. Looking out the car window, the leaves had already fallen, creating a desolate scene.

Pedestrians were all wearing thick clothes and trousers, and hurried along with their heads down.

While Lu Changge was still on his way, Xu Qiuxue kept calling him to ask him what time he would arrive.

The little girl seemed even more excited than he was about him being on TV. As soon as they met, she chattered on and on about it, listing a bunch of celebrities she wanted to meet.

Lu Changge said helplessly, "I'm not a celebrity. I don't know any of those singers or actors you're talking about."

Xu Qiuxue then said, "We don't know each other now, but we'll naturally know each other when you become a bigger boss. But it's strange, though. I knew you opened a swimming pool and a software company, but when did you start selling clothes?"

"Well, it's the result of a confluence of factors. But we're forced into this situation now, so we have no choice but to do it."

"You made quite a lot of money?"

"I spent a lot. Of course, I also earned a lot."

"But isn't it the financial crisis? Everyone in the village knows about it."

Lu Changge was both amused and exasperated. "The village shouldn't be affected, right?"

Xu Qiuxue said, “How could I not accept it? The children of Uncle Wu’s family, Uncle Liu’s family at the village entrance, and several other families are either in Jinling or Jiangzhou. They’ve all come out to work. This year, they all say they can’t make any money, which makes Grandpa very worried about you.”

That's true.

These relatives also called him.

There are also those who gossip. We don't know where the concept of farmers being simple and honest came from, but anyone who has really come from the countryside knows that there are plenty of people in the village who envy others' poverty and are jealous of your wealth.

Even worse, there were those who spoke ill of Xu Qiuxue behind her back.

For example, she and Lu Changge hadn't been that close for many years.

As a result, Lu Changge became successful in the past two years, and suddenly they became as close as siblings.

This is something Lu Changge learned from his mother.

It's unclear whether Xu Qiuxue was affected.

Putting aside these trivial people and things, since he had come all the way to Jinling, he was determined to meet her and take her to the provincial television station.

She was the driver the whole way.

"Have you encountered anything interesting lately?" Lu Changge asked.

"Interesting things? There really aren't any, but I've seen a lot about you online. You're a bit of a celebrity now, you know? Lots of people are talking about you, and your photos are even up there. Are those even allowed to be taken?"

Lu Changge leaned back in his chair and said, "There's no such thing as being capable or not. It's all on purpose. In order to succeed in our careers, we even used the tactic of getting in the spotlight. Look, it's the same as going on TV this time."

"It was quite a sacrifice. I sacrificed myself for you. It was the first time I ever cursed someone out. Later I found out that there are all sorts of things said online, so there's really no need to care."

Lu Changge was astonished, "I can't imagine... what you'd look like as a shrew."

"Tsk, who's the shrew? I was just trying to protect you. And you don't know, do you? I participated in every single one of those events you guys organized, like showing off your outrageous old clothes. And Dan Ning, the two of us even applied for a special 'Show Off' event."

Because he was too busy with work, Lu Changge didn't talk to her on the phone much, never expecting that she had put in so much effort behind the scenes.

"If you put it that way, our company has to pay you a salary."

"Of course, I'd never ask you for money. Activities need funding, you know?"

Lu Changge said, "Okay, okay. If you find these things interesting, then do some of them, but don't let them interfere with your main tasks."

"I find it interesting."

"By the way, that Wang Hongcheng's younger brother... is he still bothering you?"

Xu Qiuxue shook her head. "He doesn't come to see me anymore, and even less recently. I heard it's related to that financial crisis. Is his family in a bad situation?"

Lu Changge frowned slightly; Wang Hongcheng hadn't said much about these things.

However, we haven't heard from him for several days. Brotherhood has its price; if their family's crisis is too profound, then this bond isn't worth 600 million.

However, it should be alright... More than ten years later, the Cuijingyuan residential community is still doing well, and I haven't heard of any major incidents.

We'll have to ask him about that later.

When they arrived at the TV station, the host Zhu Yong and the director he introduced were all surprised that Lu Changge had only brought a young girl with him.

Upon further inquiry, he discovered that the young woman wasn't even his assistant, which surprised him even more.

A boss who travels to this extent with minimal entourage is not only rare, but could even be described as stingy.

But at this stage, Lu Changge doesn't have the time or inclination to care about what others think.

Even when they arrived at the location, their greetings to the TV station staff were very formal and perfunctory, clearly showing that they didn't know anything and just wanted to record the program and leave.

Of course, in Xu Qiuxue's eyes, her brother seemed like an adult, not shy at all, unlike other children who were reserved in front of strangers.

For her, everything was with Lu Changge. No matter who she met, she would just smile and nod, feeling very relaxed.

The only thing that disappointed her was that the stage scene on TV looked like it had lost its filter when she was there. Moreover, the various cameras and the staff moving around made the place far less organized and beautiful than it appeared on TV.

Just like the makeup artist who works with the host.
All the work is done so that the final image will be visually appealing.

Before the recording, the host brought Lu Changge over to take one last look at the video that had been filmed in Jiangzhou. They had actually discussed it beforehand, but they still wanted him to see it one more time.

The program "Brand" has clear characteristics and a simple process, which basically involves watching videos and then asking questions and exchanging ideas on the spot.

The central theme revolves around the brand "Lu Mang".

Several major modules have been derived from it, such as how it was born, its brand value, and its corporate goals, and the questions raised mainly focus on these.

A large part of the program focuses on Lu Changge personally. This is to increase the program's watchability and also to respond to the current online interest in this college junior entrepreneur who started from scratch and built a million-dollar fortune.

The ratings are something they care about, and they are also something Lu Changge cares about.

The on-site director kept reassuring Lu Changge, saying, "Everyone feels a little uncomfortable facing the camera for the first time. Don't worry about it or take it too seriously. This isn't a live broadcast, so any flaws can be adjusted."

Zhu Yong, recalling his previous experience in Jiangzhou, chuckled and said, "Director, don't worry. Although this young Mr. Lu is young, he's quite shrewd once he starts talking. He won't make us redo anything."

The director was skeptical, but didn't say much.

With so many people and several cameras pointed at you, unless you're very experienced, you'd probably stutter when you speak.

However, there's no point in dwelling on this now. He's been making shows for so long and has met all sorts of guests.

Tall or short, fat or thin, today, putting everything else aside, this Mr. Lu from Jiangzhou has a rather well-proportioned figure and good looks. He really looks quite stylish in front of the camera. Therefore, today's interview doesn't feel like an interview with an entrepreneur, but rather like an interview with a celebrity.

The center of the stage was also simple, with two single sofas placed at an angle, facing the small number of audience members. Without an audience, the show would be incomplete, as it would lack a crucial element. As for where the audience came from, Lu Changge had no idea.

He and Zhu Yong went up together and chatted with their arms around each other the whole time.

They met in Jiangzhou last time, and Lu Changge even treated him to a meal. They've exchanged contact information and are now considered acquaintances.

Zhu Yong had a good impression of Lu Changge, so he gave him special advice, saying, "Our on-site director is a professionally trained actor. He's been doing this for so long, so he must know some colleagues, maybe even some from other TV stations, including some of the better ones."

Lu Changge understood. This was simply because they needed to promote his business, so they were using all their connections to get his face on other TV stations as well.

The saying that "the world of martial arts is all about human relationships and social dynamics" truly applies everywhere.

"...If we do something effective, then things will be easier to discuss later."

Lu Changge: "Trying to be different?"

"This word leans too much towards a restless feeling, which isn't necessarily a good thing. Actually, as long as it has its own characteristics, that's fine."

"I will only tell the truth."

Zhu Yong smiled, "That's exactly what I wanted."

(End of this chapter)