Mysterious Assistant of the Washed-Up Queen-Chapter 468 - 310: Program List Released, Hotly Discussed Online_2

Chapter 468: Chapter 310: Program List Released, Hotly Discussed Online_2

This was also why Chu Tian wanted Xu Qingqiu to perform at the Spring Festival Gala. Just showing her face there would be akin to gilding her, not only boosting her fame in the country but also garnering significant influence in Southeast Asia.

After signing the agreements with the staff and detailing the follow-up timelines and video-related work content, today’s tasks were finally completed.

"You’re going to be busy next, but luckily you can rest tomorrow. Since we’re already out, how about we get something nice to eat tonight?"

After coming downstairs, they stood in the parking lot. Chu Tian looked at Xu Qingqiu, who still seemed a bit dazed, and asked with a smile. After all, while it wasn’t as late as ten, it was already approaching eight o’clock. Cooking at home at that hour would be quite a bother. Besides, their usual neighborhood, though quiet, wasn’t in the city center. This area, being more bustling and having more restaurants, offered a good opportunity to enjoy a nice meal.

"Sure, that saves us from cooking when we get back. What should we eat then?"

"There’s a Yunhai Cuisine restaurant nearby that’s pretty good. How about that? I heard their mushrooms are very fresh."

"Let’s skip Yunhai Cuisine. We’re going to record for the Gala soon, and it would be troublesome if eating there caused any issues."

"Then how about we go for hot pot? There’s a South Gate Hot Pot spot nearby."

"That works. Why don’t we go to that one?"

Once the subject of food came up, Xu Qingqiu and the others had barely begun to speak when Yiyi, as if a switch had been flipped, suddenly became enthusiastic. It wasn’t just her; even Nannan and Chuanxia somehow transformed into foodies, their eyes wide like copper bells, practically bursting with energy.

Seeing this, Xu Qingqiu didn’t mind. She simply turned and smiled at Chu Tian, and the two, with tacit understanding, didn’t interrupt them.

The only one feeling left out was Sister Hua.

"Tsk, all you think about is eating!"

Noticing no one was getting into the driver’s seat, Sister Hua went to the back, playfully tapped Yiyi on her little head, and then settled into the driver’s seat.

As the car slowly pulled out of the parking lot, Chu Tian paid no mind to the group in the back still chattering about food. He looked at Xu Qingqiu, who seemed a bit tired. Then, glancing at the nearby CCTV Headquarters, often nicknamed the "Big Underpants," an idea struck him.

"Qingqiu, how about I book a room for you around here? Then you wouldn’t need to commute back and forth every day."

The CCTV Building consists of three parts: Tower 1 on the left, Tower 2 on the right, and the main building connecting them at the top. Tower 1 contains a commercial center, a hotel, restaurants, and CCTV’s entire post-production and new media departments. Tower 2 houses the studios and broadcasting rooms for various channels, while the main building serves as the administrative center, essentially the office space.

The hotel portion is a five-star establishment where celebrities usually stay when they visit. There are two main reasons for this: first, its proximity, and second, it’s relatively private and secure. After all, being on CCTV’s home turf, no one would be foolish enough to stir up trouble there. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Let’s not. We don’t even know how many people will be coming then. Besides, we’re not far from here, so there’s no need to make things so complicated."

Seeing that she wasn’t keen on the idea, Chu Tian didn’t say much more.

Indeed, who knows how many people would be staying at the hotel by then. With all sorts of people around, it could easily get chaotic. Moreover, a hotel would ultimately not be as comfortable as home. More importantly, he suddenly recalled that Chinese New Year was approaching. In just a couple of days, the Spring Festival travel rush would start, and the Capital would empty out by at least half.

His most vivid memory was from a past life. One year, he too had performed at the Spring Festival Gala on New Year’s Eve. The day before, he had visited a friend’s home. Normally, traveling from the Forbidden City to the Sixth Ring Road in the suburbs would take at least an hour or two. But on the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month that year, during the day, it took him just over forty minutes. It was the first time he hadn’t encountered traffic jams within the city, an experience that left a profound impression on him.

"That’s true, home is more comfortable. I guess by then, there will be a lot fewer people around here, and it will be quite convenient to travel back and forth without traffic jams."

"Will there really be a lot fewer people around here during Chinese New Year?"

Xu Qingqiu genuinely didn’t know about this. Unlike regular employees who strictly follow statutory holidays, she usually went home early for Chinese New Year.

"Yes. The Capital’s population is around twenty-four million now. But during Chinese New Year, it probably drops to just over ten million. After New Year’s Eve, it’s even less—at least half the people are gone."

"Wow, really? Is it that exaggerated?"

"Not exaggerated at all..."

Chatting all the way, they soon arrived at the hot pot restaurant they had decided on. Fortunately, it wasn’t far, and the restaurant hadn’t closed yet, though they did have to queue. Xu Qingqiu and the others couldn’t show their faces publicly, so Chu Tian went to line up, got a number, booked a private room, and then they waited in the car. It took about forty minutes before it was finally their turn.

The food at this place seemed to be excellent, and indeed it was. Xu Qingqiu and the other young women ate until they were completely stuffed, forcing Chu Tian to take the wheel on the way back.

The following days passed without incident. Xu Qingqiu practiced methodically, patiently waiting for the Spring Festival Gala’s arrangements. Before the Spring Festival Gala, there were two rehearsals. These were less like actual rehearsals and more like large-scale auditions, primarily to determine the final program lineup for the Gala. Following these two rehearsals, there would be five consecutive full-dress rehearsals complete with costumes and a live audience. By that point, the program would be largely set, and the official list would be published. Only then would the final sprint stage of the Spring Festival Gala officially begin. Although it seemed to be divided into two parts, in reality, they were only a few days apart.

"Qingqiu, how are you feeling? No problems, right? Tomorrow is the first full-dress rehearsal with costumes and audience. Have you decided on your outfit yet?"

"I haven’t decided yet. I feel like the bright red doesn’t quite match the song. I’m torn between the pink one and the white one."

"Wear white. Pink is also very good, but this song is a bit more tear-jerking. White is simple and elegant, and it conveys purity, better fitting the image of a daughter."

"Okay, then I’ll go with the white one."

Watching the two of them reach an agreement so easily, Sister Hua, who had come over to discuss matters, felt something was amiss. They were supposed to be talking about serious business, yet the atmosphere felt anything but. Are they discussing business, or are they just flaunting their affection? So annoying!

Chu Tian, however, remained completely oblivious to Sister Hua’s irritation. His gaze was fixed on Xu Qingqiu, leaving no room for worries. Besides, that white dress was exquisite; wearing it, she looked like an eighteen-year-old girl—who could resist that?

As the New Year drew closer, everyone seemed to become more restless, and the internet was no exception. This atmosphere reached a climax when CCTV announced the program list.

#SpringFestivalGalaProgramListRevealed# [Explosive]

#ReviewOfPastSpringFestivalSpectacularMoments#

#SpringFestivalGalaStarCityVenue#

A series of related hashtags instantly shot to the top of the trending searches. The hashtag concerning the program list was the most popular, immediately claiming the number one spot with explosive engagement.

"Hey? I think I saw Xu Qingqiu’s name. Is President Xu going to be on the Spring Festival Gala too?"

"Impossible, right? Really? I haven’t heard any news about that."

"Didn’t someone photograph celebrities attending the Spring Festival Gala rehearsals a couple of days ago? Was she among them?"

"This program list is just for kicks right now. Who knows, it might change in a couple of days."

"That’s true. We still have to wait for the official announcement. This one was just released to test the waters. It’s like this every year; they’ll probably make changes."

"But at least it means President Xu has a chance, right? If we support her more, maybe we can really get her on the Gala?"

"Exactly! Sisters, what are you waiting for? Let’s get moving! Cheer for President Xu, send President Xu to the Spring Festival Gala!"

"Send President Xu to the Spring Festival Gala!"

Good heavens. This is a good thing, but why does it sound a bit awkward? With this kind of fervor, anyone who didn’t know better would think they were trying to send someone to the Western Paradise.