Mysterious Assistant of the Washed-Up Queen-Chapter 470 - 311: New Year Plan_2

He remembered that "Divas Hit the Road" had already started filming, and he had even heard Wei Liangxiao complaining about it. How had it been rescheduled to after the New Year?

"No, they’ve only shot half of it, but they will be able to finish before the New Year. Wei Liangxiao said they can definitely return before the Little New Year, just in time for the holiday."

"As for after the New Year, that refers to the post-production and business aspects of the variety show. Currently, negotiations are still ongoing with Lemon TV, but it seems like they aren’t that keen."

Hearing this, Chu Tian couldn’t help but look up.

"Not that keen? What does that mean?"

The company’s relationship with Lemon TV had always been good. Although Wei Liangxiao had brokered the initial association, both parties were happy after a few collaborations. Logically, it shouldn’t be this way. Could it be that they weren’t optimistic about this variety show?

As he was pondering, Hou Yichuan quickly offered an explanation.

"It’s mainly a timing issue. Lemon TV is currently airing ’Where Are We Going, Dad?’, and the original plan was for ’Divas Hit the Road’ to take over that slot. However, it seems they’ve been assigned other tasks, and several good time slots now have new shows lined up."

"There’s also a delicate issue. I heard their own director wasn’t happy and slammed the table, so they had to push it back."

What do they mean by a delicate issue? In plain terms, isn’t it just a problem of interests?

The more Chu Tian thought about it, the clearer it became. There are only so many prime-time slots; if you air one program, it takes up a slot. A variety show running for twelve episodes, at one episode per week, means three months are gone. From ’King of Mask Singer’ to ’Where Are We Going, Dad?,’ the projects with Unlimited Entertainment alone had taken up half a year. And then there was ’Divas Hit the Road’ lying in wait. Seeing as Unlimited Entertainment would dominate all of Lemon TV’s resources for the year, how could they be happy? Prime-time slots are like hot ad spaces—they’re rare resources. Never mind the program’s quality; viewership in these slots is higher even if the show is worse than those at other times. Throw in any garbage, and the ratings could still double. Who wouldn’t want that? Good ratings mean money, bonuses, and commissions. Good heavens, if Unlimited Entertainment took all the best resources, what about the people at the TV station? Were they supposed to live on air? Doesn’t every TV station have its mainstays, its crown jewels? There are twelve months in a year. Taking half is fine, but hogging everything is indeed excessive. No one likes a monopoly. Although Unlimited Entertainment’s programs are good—high quality, topical, and profitable—sometimes you have to consider relationships and tact. Mainly, the station also needs balance. They’re not fools; they won’t put all their eggs in one basket. They need to cultivate their own teams, so a balance is definitely necessary.

Once he understood, Chu Tian realized where the problem lay. His company was simply too prolific. With so many good projects, Lemon TV alone couldn’t handle them all.

"That’s fine. Keep negotiating, but I doubt there’s much chance. We can’t just rely on Lemon TV. President Hou, think bigger. We are content providers, not a subsidiary of Lemon TV. If they can’t handle it, let’s find someone else, understand?"

"I understand. Recently, East Sea TV and Lanjiang TV have contacted us. Both are very eager to collaborate, but we’re still in discussions. The main issue is that both stations don’t have a great reputation, which has made me hesitant."

"As for reputation, it depends on the issue. If it’s a matter of principle, then forget it. For other issues, we can consider it. And it’s not just these two; we can try others as well."

After finishing the discussion on variety shows, they discussed some other issues. Before they knew it, the day had passed.

"What’s the progress with ’iPartment’?"

"The second season has finished filming, and post-production is also done. We’re currently discussing broadcasting details. The third season is almost done shooting, and the fourth season is planned for filming next year."

"Okay, what about Xu Ruyan? Is she still with the crew?"

"Yes, she is, and it seems she really enjoys it there. I heard she’s quite happy working on everything from script supervision to costume design to props. The crew really likes her."

Listening to Hou Yichuan’s words, Chu Tian felt a mix of amusement and frustration. What does he mean she’s ’worked on everything’? And what’s this about everybody ’really liking her’? I sent her to learn and gain experience, not to just ’experience life’! What is all this nonsense?

"Alright, let her be. If she’s not comfortable there, let her come back. And make sure she doesn’t receive any special treatment."

"That really hasn’t been an issue. Your sister-in-law isn’t the type to act like a spoiled princess. She’s not only capable and eager to learn but also has a sweet way with words. That’s why everyone likes her."

After hearing this explanation, Chu Tian had nothing more to say. Fine, as long as they were happy. If there were no issues, it actually saved him some trouble.

"Right, President Chu, about our year-end celebration..."

"The year-end celebration..."

I don’t know when this trend started, but these days, companies love to organize year-end celebrations. Mainly for some performances, handing out bonuses, holding a raffle—just a chance for everyone to gather and have some fun. It’s a good thing, really, and employees aren’t too opposed. Mainly because they get time off work and might even win prizes—who wouldn’t like that?

"As for the year-end celebration, just do it as you all suggested. The 25th of the twelfth lunar month, right? It’s perfect. We’ll have the celebration and then go straight on holiday."

"What I mean is, about your girlfriend..."

Seeing that his boss hadn’t gotten his point, Hou Yichuan had to remind him more bluntly.

GASP.

Suddenly realizing something, Chu Tian felt a figurative twinge, as if from a toothache.

Logically, since the two companies were so close geographically and in their relationship, they could easily hold a joint celebration. It would be convenient, and everyone could get to know each other; they might even be colleagues in the future. But there was one problem: at Unlimited Entertainment, I do give out year-end bonuses. I’ve even prepared a few cars for executives and outstanding employees. The issue is, I don’t know what the studio has planned. Wouldn’t it be awkward if, at a joint party, my side is busy handing out cash, prizes, and cars while their side has nothing? That wouldn’t just embarrass their employees; it would be like putting my girlfriend on the spot, especially since she’s the boss of the studio.

"Let’s not rush this. I’ll ask about it later."

I definitely need to ask. At the very least, I should give Sister Hua a heads-up and find out their plans. If there’s no issue, combining them would be good. If not, it’s better not to invite trouble.

After discussing these matters, it felt like everything that needed to be said had been covered. Outside, the sky had darkened. Chu Tian was ready to call it a day when he suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, Hou, our company will likely expand next year. We’ll probably launch several new projects, especially in TV dramas and films. After the New Year, look into recruiting a new batch of people."

"Hire several more actors, from seasoned veterans to newcomers. Also, get in touch with some talented older actors to establish connections early on. We might need them later."

"Got it, President Chu. I’ll add it to my memo."

"Alright, let’s leave it there for today. You should stop working for today as well. Go home and rest. We can sort things out tomorrow; there’s no need to rush."

"Sure. Even if you hadn’t said so, I was about to head back. I promised my wife I’d have dinner with her tonight."

Looking at Hou Yichuan’s hurried figure, Chu Tian wanted to laugh, but he didn’t.

He wasn’t upset because he’d been subjected to their public display of affection; rather, he felt sympathy for Hou Yichuan. Does the man have talent? Of course, he does. Highly educated, great resume, high salary, strong work ethic—how could he not be considered capable? Yet, even someone like him has to schedule dinner with his wife in advance. Ultimately, isn’t it all just to make a living? How much money is ever enough? Or is the work truly endless? Huh? Wait, that’s not right... Aren’t I his boss? Does that mean I’m the main culprit exploiting him? So, the big capitalist is actually me? I’m the worst! Good grief, what started as empathy has circled right back to me. It seems, perhaps, it’s because I’m always delegating that he has to work overtime every day, right? Ah... actually, it’s not a big deal. It’s good for young people to work more.

Thinking this, Chu Tian quickly shook his head, determined not to dwell on it. If I keep thinking like this, I’ll end up going to work with a guilty conscience, and that just wouldn’t do.