Chapter 10: Executing the Counterattack Plan

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Nineteenth floor of Beihai Tower—this floor is where the hosts and broadcasters of Lotus Television work.

In the station director’s office, after drinking a cup of tea and watching the man crying before him, Le Xiaotian’s expression remained unchanged.

This middle-aged man, about forty years old, was the traitor inside Lotus. Last night’s two phone calls were inserted into the program by him. Now, Director Tang, Li Hongmei, Zhao Dezhu, the bearded man, and Le Xiaotian were all present. The man wept, “Director, please give me another chance. It was a moment of greed—please don’t let me go.”

Watching this grown man sobbing and sniffling, Director Tang did not soften. “Little Wang, the station has not treated you unfairly, has it? You know the request show is tied to the fate of our entire station. Since you’ve chosen your side, why make things difficult for me now?”

Reputation is a crucial point in this industry. After this episode, his career was essentially ruined. But Director Tang was right; things had come to this, and regret was pointless. If he kept begging, he would only lose his last shred of dignity.

With that thought, Little Wang left the office, his figure appearing desolate as he went.

When the room quieted, Le Xiaotian spoke, “Director, I have a question. If I want to completely suppress Blue Cang Television, in the worst-case scenario, can you guarantee our station won’t be shut down?”

Good heavens, what is he planning? Even considering the possibility of being shut down!

The four leaders all drew in a sharp breath at the same moment. Seeing Le Xiaotian’s earnest expression, Director Tang replied, “Xiaotian, though Blue Cang’s methods are a bit underhanded, if we truly go head-to-head, wouldn’t that be reckless? If things go awry, your career as a host in this country might become very difficult.”

Le Xiaotian smiled, his gaze sharp. “My ambitions have never been limited to this country. Besides, with my talent, do you think it’s difficult for me to become famous?”

At these words, the four leaders were struck by awe.

Le Xiaotian was undoubtedly a musical prodigy, and behind him stood a powerful orchestra. Otherwise, how could those ten famous pieces on the Celestial Voice site exist? The orchestra’s involvement was indispensable.

Most importantly, his background was a mystery.

The information on him was exceedingly simple: an internet café administrator at Blue Sky Café, where the owner, Su Yun, was rumored to have mutual feelings with him. Otherwise, why would his salary be less than two thousand?

Director Tang chuckled, “Xiaotian, it’s normal for young people to have fire in their belly. Especially for a musical genius like you, pride is essential. But the matter has already been resolved—why not let it go?”

Li Hongmei added, “Xiaotian, although Lotus has always competed with Blue Cang, it’s never been a fight to the death. Blue Cang is backed by powerful figures in the capital. If things get out of hand, it won’t be good for either side.”

Raising his right hand to silence them, Le Xiaotian smiled lightly, “Let it go? If I hadn’t had some foundation last night, the program would have been ruined. Starting out like this—isn’t that already too much?”

He then spoke more forcefully, “I don’t know what you’re worried about, nor do I care. I’ll say it here: from now on, I’ll take charge of all the station’s programs. If you’re unwilling or afraid, we’ll part ways. If no station in Fama wants me, I’ll go abroad. In any case, I won’t rest until Blue Cang is toppled.”

The four leaders wiped sweat from their brows, not daring to say a word.

After all, Le Xiaotian’s origins were unclear—what if he was a prince from one of the powerful nations like Wu, Ying, or Man? What if he was the heir to a legendary musical family? Who would dare offend him?!

Director Tang finally replied, “Lotus has considerable backing, too. Even if we confront Blue Cang head-on, I can guarantee we won’t be forced to shut down. I promise you that.”

If you guarantee that, then I can proceed boldly. Le Xiaotian’s face broke into a smile. “Then let the ratings speak for themselves.”

The four leaders felt awkward, surprised that he could see things so clearly. Indeed, Lotus Television might not rival Blue Cang, but it possessed deep roots and a strong background. Otherwise, Beihai City’s top station would have been Beihai Broadcasting, not Lotus.

The question now was whether the meticulously prepared “Xiaotian’s Request Show” would succeed. Last night, Xiaotian uttered a mild curse—“damn horse”—during his live broadcast. Would the audience accept him? That was crucial.

Though preliminary data had already been seen, more detailed and accurate statistics were needed.

Minutes later, the secretary delivered the ratings report.

Director Tang was stunned at the numbers.

Li Hongmei, Zhao Dezhu, and the bearded man all looked at the data and were equally astonished.

Five percent! Ten times the expected 0.5%! Incredible!

With a target demographic of thirty-year-olds, a year and a half of advertising preparation, loyal listeners, and prime time advantages, “Xiaotian’s Request Show” was estimated to have one hundred million potential listeners. The expected result was 0.5%—that is, half a million listeners.

Actually, this estimate was already very high, far surpassing many local stations.

But in just half an hour, Le Xiaotian had retained five million listeners—a truly miraculous feat!

Could it be related to his millions of listeners on Celestial Voice?

Even without seeing the data, Le Xiaotian could tell by the leaders’ expressions. He then made his final announcement, “Can you make your decision now?”

Strength speaks for itself—the data was clear.

The singer-host and “Xiaotian’s Request Show” had no issues; the future looked bright.

Director Tang rose, filled with heroic spirit. “We’ll do as Xiaotian says. Old Zhao, have all the hosts report to Xiaotian. From now on, he will be in full charge of every broadcast program. Any objections?”

From the initial shock at recruitment to solid data now, what objections could they have?

“No problem,” the three responded.

Le Xiaotian stood. “Then I’ll trouble you. Also, I want information on Blue Cang. You must get it within three days. In ten days, I’ll formally select the competition content. Understood?”

Before the three could respond, Director Tang asked, “Xiaotian, since we’ve decided, Blue Cang has its own orchestra—a renowned domestic symphony. Should we hire one too?”

Le Xiaotian refused outright. “Don’t worry, I have my ways. Whether it’s a famous domestic symphony or a world-class one, I’m not afraid. That’s all for now—I’ll head home.”

As he left, the four leaders exchanged glances.

All the leaders were at work, yet he, the host, dared to go home during work hours. Le Xiaotian might be the first in Fama to do so.

Good heavens, who’s really in charge here?!