Chapter 54: "Entertainment Focus" Airs; Reactions from All Sides

It was half past seven in the evening, and the office of the Palace Museum’s Cultural Promotion Department was brightly lit. It wasn't because of overtime, but because Zhang Mingke had suddenly called everyone in.

“Mingke, what’s the matter? Everyone will be here by eight tomorrow anyway. Calling us in this late doesn’t really make sense.”

“Yeah, Mingke, sometimes you just do your best. There’s no need to take everything so seriously.”

“If you go head-to-head with the higher-ups, you’re only making things hard for yourself!”

At seven fifty, Director Hu staggered into the office, reeking of alcohol.

“Mingke, what are you up to?”

“It’s late, don’t you want to let people sleep?”

Everyone looked at each other speechless. The smell of alcohol was thick about him—sleep? Who was he kidding? Still, if people wanted to have a drink after work, that was their business.

Once everyone had arrived, Zhang Mingke smiled, turned on the CCTV channel, and said to everyone, “Please be patient. I have a surprise for you all.”

Watching him turn on the channel, everyone wondered—was there some breaking news that concerned them? But when the program began at eight, they saw only Yang Liuqing chatting casually with Yu Lan about their youthful years.

As pleasant and soothing as it was to watch, it was hardly worth gathering everyone together for. Why not just watch at home?

Director Hu grew impatient. “Zhang Mingke, did you drag us all here just to watch TV with you?”

Zhang Mingke, too, was bewildered. Su Bai had told him there would be a surprise on tonight’s “Entertainment Focus.” But twenty minutes had passed, and there hadn’t been the slightest mention of Su Bai.

Uncertain, he could only insist, “Keep watching, just a bit longer!”

At that moment, Yang Liuqing asked Yu Lan her thoughts about the incident when Su Bai abruptly left during the talent contest with Xu Mingkun—a moment Yu Lan had hosted.

Those who’d been lounging idly suddenly sat up straight at the mention of Su Bai.

Now, at last, they understood why Zhang Mingke had called them in. None of them had expected Su Bai to have enough influence to make Yu Lan speak for him on CCTV.

This was going to make things complicated.

But Yu Lan’s next response left everyone even more astonished.

“Mr. Su Bai happens to be here with us tonight. I think it’s best if we let him explain the situation himself.”

Then, Su Bai appeared before the public, dressed in a white evening gown.

Shock!

The entire office was stunned.

None had imagined Su Bai would appear on “Entertainment Focus.” Zhang Mingke, too, stared in disbelief, completely dumbfounded.

He’d thought the surprise would be Yu Lan defending Su Bai and explaining his situation. He never expected Su Bai would actually step onto the national stage.

Though it wasn’t a solo interview, anyone could see the significance of this episode—everything leading up to it had been mere prelude.

“I think it’s best if we all watch a video first. Once we’ve seen it, everything will be clear.”

When the video ended, the office fell silent.

A stillness as profound as death.

They all understood the impact this explanation would have.

How great was an artist who risked his own reputation to save another’s life? It wouldn’t be long before countless netizens would be singing his praises.

Last time, when 168 young girls who’d been rescued spoke up for him, Su Bai’s reputation had been cemented. Now, with this new incident, his popularity would reach new heights.

What was most damning? The kidnapping occurred at a critical moment in the contest. The kidnappers had barely taken their victim before messaging Su Bai.

What did this imply? Anyone with sense could see the truth.

Yu Lan asked how the case was progressing. Su Bai replied it was still under investigation—because there was no evidence pointing to a culprit.

Official media would never speculate without proof. But netizens were another matter.

Su Bai’s fan base was already nearing ten million. Who could predict the explosive effect this episode would have?

Not until Su Bai’s piano performance ended did Zhang Mingke’s grin nearly split his face.

“Thank you all for coming in. I thought watching together would make the impact more powerful!”

“To avoid conflicts at tomorrow’s draft meeting, I suggest we discuss things tonight.”

“With the national media’s endorsement, I think we can all believe in Su Bai’s character now!”

“I’ve supported him from the very start. How could such an outstanding artist run away in a moment of crisis?”

“In the end, everything turned out well. Facts have proven his worth!”

When Zhang Mingke finished, the office was silent as a grave.

“I’ve compiled a list of Su Bai’s achievements since his debut. I’ve printed it out—please pass it around.”

“Though these are just unofficial numbers, in the era of big data, they’re still worth considering!”

...

Meanwhile, Song Liang happily raised his glass.

“To see our President Su’s name cleared, I am truly overjoyed.”

“Honestly, he’s borne far too much pressure these past days—more than anyone should.”

“But President Su remained silent, enduring it all alone.”

“As his subordinates, we wanted to share his burden, but there was nothing we could do.”

As he spoke, Song Liang’s eyes grew moist, and his voice became choked.

“Come, let’s raise our glasses together—to the bright prospects of our future cooperation!”

“When President Su returns, I’ll make sure to tell him how you all aided us in our time of need.”

“This debt of gratitude—we will never forget it.”

Wang Lin, the person in charge of Battle Kings, forced a smile, but her heart was filled with shock.

She had never guessed Su Bai left midway to save someone—and, most crucially, had done so successfully.

She offered her congratulations, but inside she was conflicted, knowing that prices would soar as a result.

“Since President Su’s program has finished recording, will he be back tomorrow?”

“Let’s finalize our cooperation as soon as possible for everyone’s benefit.”

This time, however, she didn’t mention the advantages of working with Magic City Tiancheng Entertainment. She knew the conditions she’d proposed just that afternoon were no longer valid.

If they struck a deal before the news fully broke, it could still be seen as timely support.

But if Su Bai’s story continued to spread and they came knocking later, it would look like they were just chasing the heat.

At that thought, Wang Lin felt a surge of frustration.

When “The Lone Brave” first went viral, she had pushed to meet with Su Bai for collaboration. But the company held back, wanting to wait and see, since the song was so explosively popular.

But then a series of incidents involving Su Bai rapidly cooled the song’s heat.

Only when Su Bai’s reputation hit rock bottom because of his abrupt departure did the company finally agree, thinking they could get both a good image and a low price.

Now, look where that got them.

The backlash after ruthless bargaining is always the fiercest.

Wang Lin understood this well.

Through all these twists and turns, Su Bai’s reputation had risen and fallen. Now, with national television coverage and his image as a person of deep feeling and integrity, his popularity was sure to explode.

No one could guess how famous he’d become—let alone if the price would double.

But being accused of riding Su Bai’s coattails? That would be unavoidable.

Wang Lin raised her glass, her smile a little forced.