In any case, after several days of hard work by everyone, the auction finally began.
Xia Zhiyi and the others finally met their special guest, Jian Zhu.
Jian Zhu is one of the nation's top hosts, a pillar of Orchid TV, and a regular host of several popular variety shows. She is very popular and a senior figure in the industry with excellent interpersonal relationships.
Jian Zhu is his stage name; his real name is Zhao Linzhi. However, because his stage name is very different from his real name, most people don't recognize his real name when it is mentioned.
When they saw Jian Zhu, everyone except a few people who knew the situation was pleasantly surprised.
This includes villagers who came to watch the auction and people from nearby towns.
Wow! It's Jian Zhu! Jian Zhu is here to film a show!
" Jian Zhu! Jian Zhu, I like you so much!"
" Jian Zhu! Jian Zhu!"
Even the viewers in the live chat were shocked.
[!!!!!]
[The production team actually managed to get Jian Zhu to come?! How did that happen?! I never expected this!]
[Wow, this show feels like a amateur production from top to bottom. The most noteworthy ones are Fu Yunyi and Director Gong. If it weren't for Xia Zhiyi suddenly appearing, the show would have flopped long ago, right? And they even managed to get Jian Zhu on board?]
[This is the advantage of having a powerful backer, isn't it? Jian Zhu is also from the Orchid TV, so this is like bringing popularity to one's own people.]
[Ahhh, Teacher Jian, I love you!]
[Cao actually invited Jian Zhu over. Although I don't like Jian Zhu, it feels like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.]
Director Gong sat behind the screen, watching the surge in viewership and comments after Jian Zhu's appearance, and nodded in satisfaction. "Indeed, inviting Jian Zhu was the right decision; the effect is outstanding."
Regardless of the comments on the screen that openly or subtly question the competence of his production team, the fact that he was able to get Jian Zhu to help is a testament to his ability.
Furthermore, it wasn't him who forced Jian Zhu to participate this time. He was just following the list and planned to contact them one by one according to their status. He would invite whoever he could. In any case, according to the audience, their program was just a small test program, and inviting any guests wouldn't make them seem low-class.
Popular variety shows sometimes invite obscure celebrities to play supporting roles. As long as someone comes, he can be used as labor, and it's not shameful.
Not to mention, when he called Jian Zhu Jian Zhu, she agreed without much hesitation. Director Gong was originally wondering whether to use his favor, but since she was willing, he naturally welcomed it.
Speaking of which...
Director Gong stroked his chin, glanced at Jian Zhu, who was seemingly casually striking up a conversation with Xia Zhiyi after their self-introductions, and wondered, " Teacher Jian seems quite interested in Xia Zhiyi. Could it be that she also wants to learn martial arts?"
In fact, the facts were pretty much as Director Gong had guessed, with only one slight difference, but that was after the auction had ended.
Jian Zhu's hosting style is generally relaxed, with only a few formal occasions where she becomes more serious. But no matter the occasion, Jian Zhu's gentle tone always makes everyone feel like they are bathed in a spring breeze.
He always maintained his composure in public and never lost his composure, which is why he was well-liked.
Jian Zhu: "I'm very happy to have the opportunity to host this unique auction on the Incredible Life program. I also hope that through today's auction, while promoting our traditional culture, we can also send everyone's goodwill to the children in the mountains."
After a simple opening speech, the auction didn't involve much fanfare; it simply began in front of the villagers.
On stage, Jian Zhu hosted the event while holding a product introduction written by the contestant in a spare moment. Offstage, the two contestants sat on opposite sides, both looking nervous.
Xia Zhiyi sat between Fu Yunyi and Wang Chengran, and heard Xue Ranran next to Wang Chengran say to Qin Yue, "What should we do? I'm so nervous. Will our products sell?"
Xia Zhiyi turned her head and first noticed the two female guests' hands, which were clasped tightly together at some point. She blinked.
He heard Qin Yue's voice was a little strained, and she answered Xue Ranran in a low voice, "It's okay. To ensure a minimum price, we won't set it too high. Even if it's bad, it won't be unsellable. At most, the price will just be low."
"If the funds raised aren't enough, I'll donate another few hundred thousand later."
They had happened to pass by the ruins of the village's primary school, which was said to have been established one or two decades ago. Later, after a road was built up the mountain, the children could go down the mountain to use the restroom, and the primary school gradually fell into disrepair.
Xue Ranran paused for a moment after hearing Qin Yue's words, then looked enlightened. "Oh right, I also have some savings, I'll donate some too."
That way, even if the auction doesn't raise enough money, they can still make a splash and guarantee a minimum return by covering their own expenses.
Wang Chengran closest to them, but he didn't hear their conversation at all. He kept staring at a one-meter-tall screen behind Jian Zhu on stage, which was the best screen the production team could prepare in a short time.
At this moment, they can observe the online auction in real time through that screen.
The first piece to be presented was the guest group's work, which happened to be one of the finished products that Wang Chengran had finally managed to make under Xia Zhiyi's guidance—at least this thing was usable.
Jian Zhu smiled and said, "Let me see... Hmm, the first item is a piece created by Mr. Wang Chengran, a guest of our 'Little House' group, with guidance from Mr. Xia Zhiyi. Its name is..."
Jian Zhu looked at the card in her hand with the work's information, paused slightly, and then continued, "Well, the name is very poetic, it's called ' Summer Night '."
It sounds like a work with a strong artistic flair, but in reality...
As the camera zoomed in, viewers in the live stream could see the small item on a tray next to Jian Zhu —a mini chair that looked quite impressive.
[...?]
I looked left and right, up and down, and it was just a chair, a chair I couldn't sit on.
[Hahaha, help! Why is this called "Summer Night "?]
Viewers in the live stream could see close-ups of the video to learn what " Summer Night " was, but those in the audience at the venue could only see Jian Zhu standing on the stage due to the angle, and could not see the artwork.
I have absolutely no idea.
Fortunately, the production team quickly realized what was going on and used the screen behind Jian Zhu to let the audience see what " Summer Night " was.
Jian Zhu: "Ahem, ' Summer Night ' is a handmade phone stand that can also hold a tablet. The maker has tested it and it's sturdy and practical. Starting bid is 10 yuan."
Wang Chengran nervously grabbed Xia Zhiyi's hand. "What should I do, Teacher Xia? I'm so nervous, waaaaaah!"
Xue Ranran looked shocked and turned to Wang Chengran: "You actually handed over this chair?"
Wang Chengran was a little exasperated. "I only have two decent ones, at least this one won't fall apart!"
Everyone: "..."