Chapter 72

As the head of Channel 8, Director Jin was probably the one who least wanted the show Around Us to be delayed on the channel. So, when the higher-ups had that intention, he declined twice. In the end, he could only delay the decision again, citing respect for the program team's choice as an excuse.

But he knew very well that for the program team, having a good broadcast platform was crucial. Given Chen Pei's ambitions and aspirations, she would certainly agree with the higher-ups' suggestion.

"Director Jin, I've discussed with the colleagues in the program team," Chen Pei entered Jin's office and, seeing his serious expression, couldn't help but smile. "We've decided not to change the airing time for Around Us on Channel 8."

Director Jin was somewhat surprised. He looked at Chen Pei in astonishment. "Director Chen, you've caught me off guard today."

"Director Jin, we've worked together for so many years. You know my style," Chen Pei sighed before smiling again. "If there's an opportunity to climb up, I'll never let it go."

Her blunt self-analysis made Jin laugh. He stood up, poured her a cup of water, and sat down with his old tea mug. "Your honesty leaves me with nothing to say."

"That's why I admitted it first," Chen Pei took a sip from the cup of water Jin had poured. The tea was still the bitter tea that Jin had been drinking for many years, a taste that hadn't changed for a decade. "Actually, I was quite tempted, but Xiao Yan disagreed."

"When she first planned the content of the show, I wasn't really satisfied, but I thought you valued her and her family had connections. Since our channel doesn't have many viewers, I let her try her ideas. I didn't expect the show to attract so much attention." Chen Pei sighed. "Now she doesn't want to accept the delay, and I was initially unhappy about it. I didn't think those older viewers with fixed viewing habits were that important. But I respect Xiao Yan's decision, and maybe her choice will, like before, bring a new peak to our program team."

"Is it really that simple?" Director Jin laughed. "I don't believe it."

"Then let's just say I'm sticking to my belief in preserving the idealism of young people," Chen Pei laughed first, "Anyway, it's fine like this. When this show first aired and had no viewership, weren't we all still working hard on it?"

"Do you have any regrets?" Director Jin asked, following up.

Chen Pei smiled and slowly shook her head. "It's fine like this."

"Alright, I'll inform the higher-ups of your opinion," Director Jin took a sip of tea. "You always say I spoil the newcomers, but it looks like you're the same."

Chen Pei stood up and smiled. "I don't spoil anyone, I just can't afford to offend them."

"You're just being stubborn," Director Jin scoffed, "Anyway, being stubborn doesn't cost anything."

Chen Pei, slightly embarrassed, pointed at the tea on the table. "Director, you should change your taste. This bitter tea is too harsh."

Laughing at the tea choice, Director Jin glared at her. "What's wrong with bitter tea? It clears heat, detoxifies, and is economical."

The higher-ups, upon hearing that the Around Us program team had rejected their arrangement, could hardly believe their eyes. Why would the team refuse such a beneficial and harmless proposal?

At the same time, Shen Xingyan was discussing a new variety show launch with them, so the leader decided to share this situation with Shen Xingyan.

"Director, I think they're probably trying to preserve some kind of sentiment," Shen Xingyan thought for a moment. "I heard that not long after the show started, some elderly viewers wrote letters to the host. A few days ago, Yanxi even told me about an elderly viewer in his seventies who watches Channel 8 every evening at 8:30. Not only that, but this viewer writes to Yanxi every week, saying many elderly people enjoy watching Channel 8 during that time slot."

The leader was somewhat surprised. "Is that so?"

He remembered that Yanxi came from a wealthy family and had a prominent boyfriend. How could such a young girl have the patience for this? He thought today's young people had long since gotten used to using computers and phones and no longer wrote letters to stay in touch.

"Yes, that's right," Shen Xingyan didn't hide her admiration for Yanxi. "Director, I know the station's old rule—many programs with good reputations are delayed on local channels first, then eventually canceled, and their airing time moved to satellite channels. But given the time slots on satellite channels, these elderly viewers probably can't stay up that late."

"However, local channels air content two to three hours earlier than satellite channels, and sometimes, before the satellite channel even airs the content, the videos are already online by viewers, which could impact the viewership of the satellite channels," the leader frowned. "If the viewership is too low, how can we justify the advertising fees?"

"But... this show is already the highest-rated in its time slot," Shen Xingyan smiled and advised. "Moreover, respecting the opinion of a team allows them to create better content. Don't you think so?"

"I think you're just trying to protect that junior," the Director had already figured out Shen Xingyan's intention. He shook his head helplessly. "Alright, let's put this matter aside for now. Our TV station is the people's TV station, and we should be serving them."

"You're truly broad-minded, Director, thinking of the elderly viewers. Unlike me, short-sighted and only thinking about protecting the juniors," Shen Xingyan flattered the Director. The matter was settled in this lighthearted exchange.

After the lunchtime news broadcast, Yanxi left the studio, changed out of the outfit provided by the sponsor, and was about to grab her bag and head downstairs. However, after taking just a few steps, she was stopped by the station's logistics coordinator.

"Teacher Yan, there's an elderly gentleman who says he's one of your loyal viewers. He's called several times since you started getting your makeup done for the broadcast, and he said he'll call again after your show finishes. Do you want to take the call?" The coordinator looked at Yanxi with some hesitation.

As they were speaking, the hotline rang again. The coordinator glanced at the caller ID. "It's from this number."

Yanxi picked up the receiver. "Hello, this is Yanxi, the host of Around Us."

There was a brief moment of silence on the other end, followed by an elderly voice. "Are you really Yanxi?"

"Yes," Yanxi couldn't tell the exact age of the caller just from their voice, but they were definitely no younger than sixty. "Dear viewer, how can I help you?"

"Yanxi, I'm your loyal viewer, Yi Ye Bian Chuan," the elderly viewer said with great excitement, his tone rising by an octave. "Half a month ago, we even communicated through letters."

"You're Yi Ye Bian Chuan?" Yanxi couldn't help but laugh. "Grandpa Bian Chuan, how come you're calling me?"

Not long after she started hosting Around Us, an elderly viewer with elegant handwriting and an even more graceful writing style had sent her a letter. Since she didn't want to disappoint the elderly fan, she had continued to correspond with him through the traditional letter-writing method. However, in the past half-month, no letters had arrived, and she had been worried about the elderly gentleman's health. She was surprised and relieved to receive a phone call today.

"I've had some small health issues recently, and my family won't let me watch TV," Yi Ye Bian Chuan said, his tone clearly displeased. "I heard that the broadcast time for Around Us on Channel 8 is going to change?"

"No, that's just a suggestion from the higher-ups, but our team has already rejected it," Yanxi explained. She knew that some elderly people, like children, needed to be reassured and comforted. "Don't worry, our team won't let our viewers down." She was curious how this elderly gentleman had heard such detailed information—perhaps a relative of someone at the station?

"Well, that's good. This show has always been on Channel 8. Who are they to decide to change the time or switch the show?" Yi Ye Bian Chuan became happy upon hearing that the time wouldn't change. "Yanxi, today is my grandson's birthday, and we've arranged a few banquet tables. You should come and join us for some fun. A few of my old friends and I really like your show. We are your... carrot sticks or hair strands?"

"They're fans," Yanxi laughed again, patiently declining the elderly gentleman's invitation. "Grandpa Bian Chuan, I'm really sorry, but today is also my boyfriend's birthday. It's our first birthday together since we've been a couple, and I want to spend time with him. Please understand."

"What? You have a boyfriend?" Yi Ye Bian Chuan sounded disappointed. "My grandson is a kind-hearted person with a big company. I was hoping to introduce you two."

So this grandfather wasn't just a fan, but was also trying to play matchmaker. It seemed like he didn't spend much time online, otherwise, he would have known she already had a boyfriend. "Thank you for your kind offer. I wish your grandson finds the girl of his dreams soon."

Yi Ye Bian Chuan's voice became downcast. "Alright, then I'll bring a few old friends to the TV station next time to see you. You can take a picture with us and sign some autographs."

"Sure, let me know before you come, and I'll personally greet you and your friends," Yanxi said, continuing to chat with the elderly fan for nearly half an hour, eventually managing to cheer him up.

After hanging up the phone, Yanxi remembered that Yuan Yi was still waiting for her downstairs. She quickly turned and ran downstairs.

As soon as she stepped out the door, she saw Yuan Yi standing at the entrance. She jogged over to him. "Yuan Xiao'er, I'm sorry, there was an elderly viewer who called me on the hotline. He's been having some health issues lately, so I stayed on the phone with him a little longer. I hope you didn't wait too long."

Cough cough, Yuan Yi raised his chin. "I've been waiting for over an hour. I arrived downstairs at 12:30."

"Yuan Xiao Ge, Yuan Ge, Yuan Da Shuai Ge," Yanxi circled around him. "Don't be mad at me. Today's your birthday, you should be happy!"

"If you agree to one thing, I won't be mad." Yuan Yi kept his chin high, sneaking a glance at Yanxi, waiting for her to ask what his request was.

"What request?"

"My uncle and aunt want to meet you and celebrate my birthday with me. You..." Yuan Yi grabbed her hand, seemingly afraid she would walk away. "You have to come with me."

This sounded a bit like how a thief would speak when caught, didn't it?

Yanxi looked at him suspiciously. "They're not going to offer me five million and ask me to leave you, are they?"

Yuan Yi was speechless. "Can you stop watching so many domineering CEO romance dramas?"

"Well, with current prices and my family background, they'd at least have to offer a few million to move me," Yanxi stroked her chin. "Five million might not be enough."

"Yan Xiao Xi!"

"Alright, alright, don't be mad. I was just teasing you," Yanxi patted Yuan Yi's shoulder. "I was just a little nervous."

"Don't worry, my aunt and uncle are very reasonable and respect my choices," Yuan Yi said awkwardly. "Qiao Sheng and Zhang Wang will also be there, so you won't feel awkward."

Seeing the look of hope in Yuan Yi's eyes, Yanxi couldn't bring herself to refuse.

Men are so tempting.

After buying a bunch of gifts for visiting elders, the two of them hurried to Yuan Yi's grandfather's house.

Yanxi took out a mirror from her bag to check her makeup and outfit, and everything seemed fine for visiting the elders.

"No need to check, they'll definitely like you," Yuan Yi encouraged her. "Don't be nervous."

"I'm not nervous," Yanxi shoved the mirror back into her handbag. "You're thinking too much."

Yuan Yi: If you hadn't checked the mirror several times along the way, this would be more convincing.

Xu family's elder has two daughters and one son. The eldest daughter married into the Yuan family, while the second son and third daughter manage the family business. The three siblings get along well, without any major disputes over the family estate. The grandchildren often visit, and the two grandchildren the elder loves most are Xu Qiao Sheng and Yuan Yi.

The elder had been upset with his second son and third daughter for the past few days, but when his second son mentioned that his grandson Yuan Yi was coming over for dinner, the elder finally agreed to leave his room.

"Why hasn't Xiao Yuan arrived yet?" Xu, the elder, was nearly ninety but still in great spirits, with a youthful appearance and a friendly demeanor.

"Dad, there's something we didn't get to tell you," Xu Xiang gently patted the elder's back. "Not only is Xiao Yuan coming back today, but he's also bringing his girlfriend."

"Xiao Yuan has a girlfriend?" The elder reached for a piece of candy on the table and handed it to Xu Qiao Sheng. "Qiao Sheng, is that true?"

"It's true, Yi Ge really likes her. But the future second sister-in-law is a great person. Once you meet her, you'll definitely like her," Xu Qiao Sheng spared no effort in praising Yanxi in front of the elder. "She's beautiful and kind-hearted. All of Yi Ge's friends like her." He turned to look at Zhang Wang. "Right, Wang Zi?"

"Yes, yes, yes, Xu Grandpa, your future granddaughter-in-law is really great. Not only did she stay up until midnight to celebrate Yi Ge's birthday, but she also made him longevity noodles early this morning," Zhang Wang pulled up photos from Weibo, where Yuan Yi had proudly posted a picture of holding hands, and another one from WeChat showing an empty bowl. "Look, she's so thoughtful."

"She's thoughtful, that's for sure. But how can Xiao Yuan let a girl work so hard?" Xu Grandpa frowned. "Girls are thoughtful because they're good, but boys shouldn't let the ones they love work so hard. It's freezing cold, it's his birthday, and she's making longevity noodles. How hard must that be?"

"Haha, that's true," Zhang Wang quickly changed sides, "Xu Grandpa, you should really talk to him later. How can a good man let his girlfriend suffer?"

Childhood friends, showing off love is fun for a moment, but don't blame your brother for lacking support now.

"Yes, I should talk to him," Xu Grandpa nodded firmly. "When he comes, I'll have a good word with him."

Xu Grandpa waited and waited, and when he heard Yuan Yi's voice outside, he was about to stand up to greet him, but Xu Qiao Sheng quickly stopped him: "Grandpa, please be careful, Yi Ge will come in soon, don't rush."

"How can I not be in a hurry? Your second cousin has been single for twenty-seven years. If he doesn't find a girlfriend now, what will that be like?" Xu Grandpa grumbled. "Do you want him to be a wizard for the rest of his life?"

Xu Qiao Sheng thought, Grandpa is quite fashionable; he even knows what a wizard is.

However, when Yuan Yi walked into the Xu family home with his girlfriend, Xu Grandpa forgot about his grandson. His expression was excited as he looked at the girl standing next to Yuan Yi. "Yanxi, you came?!"

Yanxi felt that the voice of Xu Qiao Sheng's grandpa sounded somewhat familiar. She paused for a moment, hesitated, and asked, "Yi Ye Pian Zhou?"

No, that "Yi Ye Pian Zhou" audience member had said he was only seventy years old. This one... doesn't seem that young.