The Light of Battle

The Light of Battle

"Those are the terms. If you're willing to make the exchange, do it. If not, then keep being your news reporter." Vice Director Liu wore an expression that said, That's just how I am.

Zhen Xiaoqiu looked conflicted. She thought Jiang Hao's program concept was good, but whether it would definitely succeed... who could say?

After thinking it over, she suddenly gritted her teeth. "Uncle, I accept your terms, but I have conditions too."

Vice Director Liu's eyes lit up. At last, I can complete my elder sister's assignment. He quickly said, "What conditions? Go ahead."

"This program must receive the station's full support. I want an independent team, with top-notch cameramen, equipment, and post-production. The funding must be sufficient too. And if we run into any resistance later, the station can't hold us back." Determination shone in Zhen Xiaoqiu's eyes, making her look like a little warrior.

Vice Director Liu considered it. "All right, your uncle agrees. But we'll make three episodes first. If those three get good results, we can continue. If they don't, there's nothing I can do to help you. We'll cut it immediately, and you'll have to keep your promise."

Zhen Xiaoqiu pressed her lips together and nodded heavily. Once she left the director's office, though, regret suddenly washed over her. Knocking herself on the head, she said, "Why did I agree in a moment of impulse? I don't even know whether that guy can make this work."

After his niece left, Vice Director Liu quickly picked up the phone. "Sis, the task you gave me has hope now. Xiaoqiu wants to make a variety show. I set a condition: if it doesn't succeed, she'll go back to work at your company. Xiaoqiu agreed too."

"What? Secretly sabotage the show so it dies sooner? No, that won't work. She's not stupid. She'll definitely notice, and it'll make Xiaoqiu angry. That would do more harm than good. We'll do this openly and honestly. The program she wants to make is very niche. Success will be difficult, let alone becoming a huge hit. Heh heh."

"Mm-hm, I understand, Sis. I'll keep an eye on Xiaoqiu and won't let her suffer."

After hanging up, Vice Director Liu called the variety show department and began arranging the resources Zhen Xiaoqiu had requested. He would not play any tricks; he would support her with everything he had. Things had to be done openly and honestly. Only then would Xiaoqiu truly give up.

Zhen Xiaoqiu returned home carrying a stack of materials. When she opened the door, she found Jiang Hao sprawled on the sofa watching television, a cup of coffee beside him, looking completely at ease. The sight irritated her.

"I saw that your coffee beans were pretty good, so I brewed a pot. Want a cup?" Jiang Hao asked.

Zhen Xiaoqiu dropped her things onto the coffee table and looked at Jiang Hao. "I'm telling you, this show has to succeed. I've staked my whole future on it."

Jiang Hao knew it had worked the moment he heard that. He had not expected this girl to be so efficient. "Don't worry. It'll definitely succeed."

Zhen Xiaoqiu pointed at the things on the table. "Starting now, you're in charge of preparing the program script. You have three days."

For three days, the two of them shut themselves away in Zhen Xiaoqiu's home. Jiang Hao provided the ideas and material, while Zhen Xiaoqiu arranged the segments according to the needs of a variety show. They worked day and night, and after three days, they finally completed the outline.

Looking at the result laid out on the table, both of them breathed a sigh of relief. This was the fruit of their hard work.

"One last question. Which restaurant do we use to start?" Zhen Xiaoqiu asked.

Jiang Hao had long since decided on that. The ones who had brought Stephen Chow to his current state were Wu Mengda, the owner of the Big Happy restaurant group, and the newly appointed God of Cookery, Tang Niu. The two were now in league with each other, working hand in glove. Since he was making a move, naturally he would start with his opponent's restaurant.

"Da Long Feng Restaurant. We'll start with it." Jiang Hao smiled, his eyes gleaming with the light of battle.

ATV Building.

When Zhen Xiaoqiu came out after getting her makeup done, Jiang Hao's eyes lit up. He had thought this bespectacled girl had a good foundation from the start, but now that she had taken off her glasses and put on makeup, she looked like a completely different person.

She had a sweet, adorable face with an air of lively intelligence.

It had to be said, women still needed grooming. Like flowers, the more delicate and beautiful they were, the more careful tending they needed to show their finest side. If left to grow wild, they certainly would not look nearly as refined.

Beautiful women were built with money.

That saying was absolutely right.

"Very pretty," Jiang Hao praised.

"Of course. I was born beautiful," Zhen Xiaoqiu said smugly.

Once everything was ready, everyone got into the vehicles and set off. Before long, they stopped in front of Da Long Feng Restaurant at 28 Harbor Road in Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island. The cameramen carried their equipment and first filmed the streetscape, then turned their cameras toward Da Long Feng Restaurant. Xiaoqiu stood before the camera, microphone in hand, and began recording.

"Chinese culinary culture has a long and rich history. Eating has become an art, and drinking has become a matter of taste. Every dish is like an enchanting legend, and every restaurant has a story as legendary as its own. Exquisite culinary skill comes from wholehearted dedication and accumulated experience."

"Starting today, Xiaoqiu will bring you a unique food program. Please look forward to it."

When the doorman saw a filming crew outside, he had no idea what was happening and immediately went to notify the manager. The manager, a man in his thirties, rushed out to check. "Hey, what are you filming outside our restaurant?"

The assistant director stepped forward to negotiate. "Hello, we're from ATV. We're producing a food variety show to rank the ten best restaurants in Hong Kong Island, so we've come to conduct interviews. Would your restaurant be interested?"

The manager was immediately intrigued. A television station introducing their restaurant on a food program would be an excellent promotional opportunity, even more effective than advertising.

A smile immediately appeared on his face. "A food program? How will you be filming it?"

"Well, we'll film the restaurant's condition, its best dishes, and its famous chefs, then introduce them to the viewers. Of course, it would be best if you have distinctive features. That's the only way you can make the final top ten. You should know that there are quite a few major restaurants on Hong Kong Island," the assistant director said.

The manager's eyes shifted, and he immediately said, "Please come inside. I'll ask the boss for instructions."

The filming crew was invited into the restaurant and served fine tea. The manager ran off to call the owner. After hearing the situation, Boss Wu also thought it was a good opportunity. True or not, as long as they could squeeze into the top ten, his restaurant would surely benefit enormously.

The concept of internet celebrities did not exist yet, but after this kind of publicity, it was entirely possible for the restaurant to become a viral sensation.

"I'm telling you, treat them well. Have the chefs make their best dishes. Make it as good as you possibly can," Boss Wu instructed.

"Boss, should we charge them for the meal?" the manager asked.

"Are you crazy? Of course we can't charge them! They're promoting our restaurant. How can we ask them for money? If we make them unhappy, do you think they'll promote our restaurant properly? What's one table of food? Idiot," Boss Wu could not help cursing.

"Remember, treat them well. Don't offend them."

"Yes, Boss! I understand!"