Jiangnan Television.
Inside the office building.
Gong Tao, who was at work today, felt that everyone was paying attention to him wherever he went.
Ever since "The Masked Singer" began airing over the weekend, its ratings had successfully dethroned Hunan Satellite TV's flagship program.
He had already received countless invitations from film and television companies, and offers from multiple television stations. Even CCTV wanted to poach him to be the director of their variety department.
However, he had refused them all. Although the salaries offered by these television stations and companies far exceeded what Hunan Satellite TV currently offered him.
When he was forced to leave Hunan Satellite TV back then, it was the former director of Jiangnan Television who personally called him.
It could be said that without the former director, he would not have had the opportunity to produce this successful variety show.
Gong Tao was not an ungrateful person, so even if other companies and television stations offered better terms, he would firmly remain at Jiangnan TV.
"Director Gong, you've really brought glory to our Jiangnan TV this time! It's been so many years since Jiangnan TV has had a ratings champion!"
As soon as Gong Tao entered the office, a colleague congratulated him.
"This is mainly due to Jiangnan TV's excellent platform!"
Gong Tao replied with a smile, though he was secretly ecstatic.
"Old Chen, this Gong guy has only been at Jiangnan TV for a few days and he's already secured a ratings champion. If we let him continue like this, the director of Jiangnan TV might end up being his."
Outside the office, two old directors passing by Gong Tao's office were discussing in low voices.
"Although he came late, his show managed to beat Hunan TV's 'Happy Big Team'. You have to admit that!"
Another old director stated directly.
"Alas, we're getting old and can't keep up with the aesthetic preferences of these young people anymore!"
The two directors then smiled at each other and sighed.
......
In the evening, after a busy day.
Wang Shu finally finished writing the script to a satisfactory extent.
At the same time, the police station in Beijing called.
The few thugs who were apprehended had woken up today, but none of them were willing to reveal who sent them.
This outcome was within Wang Shu's expectations. Since they dared to brazenly send people to intercept him on the road, they must have made thorough preparations.
Furthermore, they had hired seasoned criminals with prior records. Even though he had crushed several of their helmets yesterday, none of them confessed, let alone feared police interrogation.
After hanging up the phone, Wang Shu got up and walked to the hotel window.
He opened the window and breathed in the fresh air outside.
For a period of time, he had been on edge every day.
Fearing that someone might suddenly break into his room and attack him.
Therefore, he dared not sleep too soundly at night.
Thinking of last night, he couldn't help but feel a chill of fear.
"No, I need to improve my physical fitness quickly. Otherwise, it would be a waste of this martial arts heritage."
Wang Shu thought to himself.
Since Wang Shu had secured first place last week, he only needed to wait for the semi-finals on Friday this week.
As he was contemplating, there was a hurried knock on the door.
He opened the door to find Su Yao, that little girl.
"Um, Director Gong said he'll pick us up for dinner later!"
Su Yao said happily.
"This old chap finally remembers to treat me to a meal. It seems the show's ratings must be good!"
Upon hearing Su Yao's words, Wang Shu immediately understood Gong Tao's intentions.
Because last weekend was the premiere of "The Masked Singer," and based on Wang Shu's estimation, the ratings would definitely not be bad, otherwise Gong Tao wouldn't be inviting him to dinner.
A few minutes later, Gong Tao had already arrived downstairs.
Wang Shu did not stand on ceremony and directly got into Gong Tao's car, curious to see what good food he would treat him to.
"Wang Shu, you are truly my benefactor. Guess where our show ranked nationally last week in terms of ratings?"
On the car, Gong Tao said with a rosy complexion.
"I think it must have been first place! Other rankings wouldn't make Director Gong this happy!"
Wang Shu replied after some thought.
"You understand me so well, kid. Last week our show even surpassed 'Happy Big Team' and secured the ratings champion!"
Gong Tao said with great pride.
"That amazing?"
Su Yao, who was beside them, couldn't help but widen her eyes, her tone filled with disbelief.
She had interned at Hunan Satellite TV and was considered a semi-professional in the television industry. She understood the value of this ratings champion.
That was why she appeared so shocked. After all, for a very long time, Hunan TV's "Happy Big Team" had consistently been the ratings champion, and no one could shake its position.
To think that Director Gong's show this time managed to overtake that program was simply incredible.
"I helped you win a ratings champion, so you owe me a lavish dinner tonight, right?"
Wang Shu said with a smile.
"Don't worry, I won't treat you poorly!"
Upon arriving at the restaurant, Wang Shu was surprised to find Qin Feng already seated in the private room.
Upon seeing Wang Shu, he also gave a mysterious smile.
"You guys chat, I'll go see how the dishes are coming along!"
After escorting Wang Shu into the private room, Gong Tao left directly.
"Long time no see, Teacher Qin Feng!"
Wang Shu greeted Qin Feng briefly and then sat down at his invitation.
"Such a grand setup today, is there someone else coming?"
Wang Shu couldn't help but ask, confused.
Because he noticed that the table before him could accommodate at least a dozen people.
"There should be, I'm not too sure myself!"
Qin Feng also expressed his uncertainty.
"I need to take a call!"
After sitting for two minutes, Qin Feng received a call and then left the private room.
"Boss, I'm going to the restroom!"
After saying that, Su Yao ran out of the private room.
In the spacious private room, Wang Shu was now alone.
"I feel something strange today!"
Wang Shu was somewhat perplexed.
The next moment, the lights in the private room were extinguished.
"Happy early birthday!"
Just as Wang Shu was surprised, candlelight suddenly appeared from the doorway.
"What's going on?"
Looking at the birthday cake being slowly pushed in from outside and the people entering the room, Wang Shu couldn't help but feel bewildered.
"Quick, make a wish!"
Before Wang Shu could react, Su Yao urged him.
Helplessly, Wang Shu made a wish with a bewildered expression and then blew out the candles.
The moment the candles were extinguished, the lights in the room came back on.
Unlike just now, this time there were many people in the room.
Besides Qin Feng, Gong Tao, and Su Yao, there were also He Yue, Zhang Yimou, Bao Qiang, Deng Xiaoqi, Zhang Ji, and Zhang Bichen.
"Didn't you all go back?"
Wang Shu looked at Zhang Yimou and Wang Baoqiang with surprise.
"It's your birthday, how could we leave!"
Zhang Yimou replied with a smile.
"That's right, that's right! My dad said you have to eat free-range eggs for birthdays, so I bought a lot of local eggs today!"
Wang Baoqiang, standing beside them, happily said while holding a plate of boiled eggs.
"Happy early birthday, Wang Shu!"
Deng Xiaoqi said to Wang Shu with a smile.
"Happy early birthday, little brother!"
Zhang Bichen followed suit.
"I don't have much to give you, so here's my latest album as a gift!"
Zhang Ji, who had been silent all along, handed Wang Shu an album and said.
"Today is my birthday?"
Wang Shu couldn't help but be confused. Since he transmigrated to this world, he had never paid attention to such things. He hadn't expected it to be the original owner's birthday today.
Looking at the people before him, Wang Shu couldn't help but feel touched.
In his previous life, he had always spent his birthdays alone and had never experienced this feeling.
"This is from Yun Shang, mailed back from Goryeo. She asked me to give it to you. She's currently studying in seclusion in Goryeo, so she can't contact you."
He Yue also took out a package from her bag and handed it to Wang Shu.
"Thank you, everyone!"
At this moment, Wang Shu was even starting to feel emotional.
Even though he didn't belong to this world, he had found true friends here.
......
"Director Gong, Yao Yao, thank you both for today!"
On the way back to the hotel, Wang Shu said.
"No need to thank me. He Yue notified me about this. Originally, I hadn't even realized it was your birthday."
Gong Tao said directly.
"He Yue?"
Wang Shu was stunned for a moment. Could the queen of pop be interested in him?
However, he quickly dismissed this thought. Today's event was likely planned in advance by Xu Yunshang.
It was just that because she was not in the country, she had to ask He Yue for help.
"This silly girl."
Thinking this, Wang Shu couldn't help but recall their first meeting.
He owed his survival to this silly girl, Xu Yunshang.
If she hadn't valued his song and traveled all the way from Modu to Jinzhou to buy it.
He probably would have died in that small house in Jinzhou at that time.
Thinking of this, Wang Shu couldn't help but lower his gaze to the package Xu Yunshang had sent him.
However, he didn't open it. Instead, after returning to the hotel.
He closed the door and then opened the package.
Inside the package were some photos of Xu Yunshang, a girl doll, and a USB drive.
Wang Shu picked up the USB drive and plugged it into the hotel computer.
Then, he clicked to open the video inside.
"Mr. Wang Shu, hello! I am Xu Yunshang. You are probably watching this video on your birthday.
Happy birthday! The doll in the package was custom-made to look like me. Her name is Xu Yunni. When I'm not around, you must take good care of her for me!
And you must take care of yourself. I don't want to return and find grass growing over your grave!"
The video was very short, but Wang Shu played it back several times.