Flashing with the Light of Battle

Chapter 35 Glimmering with the Light of Battle

"That's the deal. Take it or leave it, and you stay a news reporter." Vice Director Liu wore an expression that said, That's just how I am.

Zhen Xiaoqiu's face was a mess of conflict. She thought Jiang Hao's show idea had promise, but who could say for sure it would succeed?

She mulled it over, then suddenly gritted her teeth. "Uncle, I accept your terms. But I have conditions of my own."

Vice Director Liu's eyes lit up. At least this time Sister's task can be wrapped up. He hurriedly said, "What conditions? Name them."

"I want the station's full backing for this show. An independent team—top-tier cameramen, equipment, post-production—and ample funding. Also, if we hit any roadblocks down the line, the station can't hold us back." Zhen Xiaoqiu's eyes blazed with resolve, like a little warrior.

Vice Director Liu thought it over. "Fine, Uncle agrees. But we start with three episodes. If those deliver, we keep going. If not, I can't help you—we cut it immediately, and you honor your promise."

Zhen Xiaoqiu pursed her lips and nodded firmly. Once she stepped out of the director's office, regret suddenly hit her. She tapped her head. "Why did I get hot-headed and agree? Who knows if that guy will even pull it off."

After his niece left, Vice Director Liu quickly grabbed the phone. "Sister, your task has hope. Xiaoqiu wants to do a variety show. I set the condition—if it fails, she goes back to work at your company. She agreed."

"What? Sabotage it behind the scenes to make it tank fast? No way. She's not stupid—she'd see right through it, and it'd just piss her off. That'd backfire. Let's play it straight. The show she wants to do is niche. Succeeding will be tough, let alone blowing up. Heh."

"Mm-hmm, I get it, Sister. I'll keep an eye on Xiaoqiu. Won't let her get hurt."

Hanging up, Vice Director Liu called the variety show team to arrange the resources Zhen Xiaoqiu had demanded. He wouldn't play dirty—full support, all aboveboard. That way, Xiaoqiu would truly give up.

Zhen Xiaoqiu came home with an armful of materials. Opening the door, she found Jiang Hao sprawled on the sofa watching TV, a cup of coffee beside him, looking utterly at ease. It pissed her off just seeing it.

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

Zhen Xiaoqiu dropped her stuff on the coffee table and stared at him. "Let me tell you, this show has to succeed. I've staked my whole damn life on it."

Jiang Hao knew right away it was a done deal. This girl works fast. "Relax, it'll succeed."

She pointed at the stuff on the table. "Starting now, you handle the show script. I'm giving you three days."

Three days. They holed up in Zhen Xiaoqiu's place. Jiang Hao supplied the ideas and material; Zhen Xiaoqiu structured the segments for variety-show impact. Day and night, no rest. In three days, they finally had the outline ready.

Staring at the finished product on the table, both let out a sigh of relief. This was the fruit of their hard labor.

"One last question: which restaurant do we start with?" Zhen Xiaoqiu asked.

Jiang Hao had already figured that out. The ones who'd brought Stephen Chow to his current state were Boss Wu of the Big Happy restaurant group and the new God of Cookery, Tang Niu. Those two were now in cahoots, birds of a feather. If he was making a move, he'd start with the enemy's restaurant.

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

ATV Building.

Zhen Xiaoqiu came out after makeup, and Jiang Hao's eyes lit up. He'd always thought the glasses girl had good bones. Now, without the specs and with some makeup, she was like a different person.

Cute, sweet-faced, with a spark of liveliness.

Truth be told, women need upkeep. Like flowers—the more delicate the bloom, the more careful pruning it takes to show its best. Let it grow wild, and it'll never be refined.

Beautiful women? They're all paid for.

That saying was dead on.

"Very pretty," Jiang Hao complimented.

"Of course. This lady is naturally gorgeous." Zhen Xiaoqiu gave a little smug toss of her head.

Everything ready, the crew piled into the car. It soon stopped in front of Da Long Feng Restaurant at 28 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island. The cameraman hoisted his gear, first filming the street view, then zooming in on the restaurant. Xiaoqiu stood before the lens, microphone in hand, and began recording.

"Chinese culinary culture runs deep—eating as an art, drinking as refinement. Every dish is like a captivating myth, every restaurant holds a legendary tale. The magic of cooking comes from wholehearted dedication."

"Starting today, Xiaoqiu takes you to savor a one-of-a-kind food show. Stay tuned."

The doorman saw a filming crew outside, had no idea what was happening, and immediately notified 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. "Hello, we're from ATV, doing a food variety show to rank Hong Kong's top ten restaurants. We'd like to interview you. Is your restaurant interested?"

The manager's interest piqued instantly. A TV food feature? That was a golden promo opportunity for the restaurant—better than any ad.

His face broke into a smile. "A food show? How do you shoot it?"

"We film the restaurant's setup, best dishes, famous chefs, and introduce them to the audience. Ideally, you'll have something unique to make the top ten. There are plenty of big restaurants in Hong Kong, you know," the assistant director said.

The manager's eyes flickered. "Please, come inside. I'll check with the boss."

The crew was welcomed into the restaurant and served fine tea. The manager called his boss and explained the situation. Boss Wu thought it was a great opportunity too. Real or not, if they cracked the top ten, his restaurant would reap huge benefits.

There was no concept of "going viral" back then, but this kind of exposure could easily make a place a hot hit.

"I'm telling you, treat them well. Have the chefs make their best dishes—go all out," Boss Wu instructed.

"Boss, do we charge for the food?" the manager asked.

"Are you brain-dead? Of course not. They're promoting us—how can we charge? If we piss them off, will they give us good coverage? A table of food is nothing. Idiot." Boss Wu couldn't help cursing.

"Remember: treat them right. Don't offend them."

"Got it, boss. Understood!"