Chapter 88: Extending a Helping Hand

Chen Ke herself did not want Zhang Qiyang to participate in the recording of “Infinite Challenge.” She didn’t want to see Li Xuan and Zhang Qiyang appearing together in more situations. She was worried that Li Xuan’s image would be tainted by Zhang Qiyang.

Back then, if it hadn’t been for the executives of the Eastern Group, led by Zhang Qiyang’s elder sister, pressuring Dongyu Entertainment to push Zhang Qiyang in this season’s “My Song,” they would never have let Li Xuan bring Zhang Qiyang onto the show. Li Xuan’s journey to her current status was the result of countless people’s painstaking efforts. For Dongyu’s music department, cultivating such a top-tier cash cow was no easy feat. Chen Ke didn’t want Li Xuan’s image to suffer any negative impact.

But lately, Zhang Qiyang and Li Xuan had been getting a bit too close for Chen Ke’s comfort; things were starting to feel out of control. She didn’t want them to get any closer—nothing good would come of it for Li Xuan. Leaving aside whether appearing on a show with Zhang Qiyang would harm Li Xuan’s image, Zhang Qiyang’s current momentum and ability to steal the spotlight was already overwhelming for other celebrities.

Just look at the recent episodes of “My Song” that Zhang Qiyang participated in; all the other singers had their limelight stolen, with barely any discussion about them. Every focus was on this young heir of the richest family, leaving the other singers no chance to shine. If he appeared on “Infinite Challenge,” Li Xuan and the others would likely be overshadowed as well. For a superstar like Li Xuan, who should be the protagonist wherever she goes, the moment Zhang Qiyang entered the scene, she became the supporting role. This was an invisible blow to Li Xuan’s popularity and image.

That’s why Chen Ke was particularly reluctant to facilitate Zhang Qiyang’s participation in the final episode of “Infinite Challenge.” But since the show’s team had already asked her for help, she had no choice but to talk to Zhang Qiyang about it.

Her stance was very clear: “Speaking personally, I don’t think you need to join this show. Even though it’s our own company’s production, I have to be honest—it’s already a flop. No matter who attends now, it won’t help. If it weren’t for the contract Li Xuan signed with ‘Infinite Challenge’ long ago, I wouldn’t have let her participate. It’s exhausting, and there’s no good reputation to be gained. The production team inviting you now reeks of desperation. Originally, they had Xu Hu lined up—you know who he is, right? He’s also an artist from Dongyu, a pretty famous action star. Last week, Xu Hu broke his leg while filming another variety show and can’t make it to ‘Infinite Challenge.’ So now they’re scrambling for stars and thought of you. I really don’t think you need to get involved in their mess. You’d be better off focusing on your music. Participating in one episode of ‘My Song’ is more meaningful than a whole season of ‘Infinite Challenge.’”

Qin Xueyang chimed in, “That show really is boring. With such a strong cast, I thought it’d be a fantastic outdoor variety show, but after two episodes I couldn’t keep watching. The content, editing, style, and pacing are all terrible. You’d better not join.”

While eating stinky tofu, Zhang Qiyang asked, “Is this show really produced and funded by Dongyu?”

Chen Ke replied, “Yes, it’s probably the variety department’s biggest money-loser this year. For shows like this, you don’t expect to make money in the first season; it’s just to build a reputation, so you can attract sponsors and profit in the second season. Shangdu Satellite TV is a great platform and has been heavily promoting it, but unfortunately, the show just didn’t take off. There probably won’t be a second season. I already regret signing Li Xuan up.”

Li Xuan responded casually, “What’s there to regret? I’ll just treat it as exercise.”

Trying to scare Zhang Qiyang off, Chen Ke added, “I don’t know if you’ve seen the show, but the recordings are grueling. Most artists don’t want to come back after one episode. I’ve heard the final episode is a showdown: seven celebrity guests against seven hosts, with an autumn sports day theme. Knowing the show’s style, the sports day will be exhausting for the stars. I already feel sorry for Xuan.”

Li Xuan laughed, looping her arm through Chen Ke’s to comfort her. “Come on, don’t blame yourself. I love sports—just think of it as a fun outing, as long as I don’t get hurt.”

Zhang Qiyang played along, “I like sports too. Haven’t stretched my muscles in ages. Since our own show invited me, I might as well help out.”

Chen Ke was secretly shocked and asked, “You’re actually interested in this kind of show?”

Zhang Qiyang replied, “If it were another company’s show, I wouldn’t be interested. But since it’s our own production, and they’re losing money, I have to lend a hand.”

Qin Xueyang, spooning up the last of his jelly dessert, asked Chen Ke, “How much are they offering for our young master’s appearance fee? He’s expensive now, you know.”

Chen Ke said, “They haven’t discussed fees yet, but I doubt it’ll be high. The variety department is about to axe the show and didn’t give them much budget. Xuan’s participation is already at a heavily discounted friendship rate. Since you’re just filling in for Xu Hu, even if they offer you more than him, it won’t be much.”

Zhang Qiyang said, “Then, Coco, please help negotiate for me. It’s our own show—I won’t ask for a sky-high price. As long as it’s not insultingly low, I’ll help them out as a favor.”

Chen Ke was inwardly astonished. She remembered vividly how, back then, Dongwang had fought tooth and nail to sign Zhang Qiyang, but he showed no mercy to his own company and ended up squeezing them for a fortune. She had been involved throughout the negotiation process.

Now, with “Infinite Challenge” begging for his help, Zhang Qiyang agreed so readily—was this really the same person? His recent changes were remarkable.

“When is the last episode being recorded? Where will it be? I’ll have my chubby assistant arrange my schedule,” Zhang Qiyang said, snatching another bite from Qin Xueyang, who was about to explode.

Li Xuan answered for Chen Ke, “If nothing goes wrong, the filming will be next Wednesday, right here in the capital. It’ll take the whole day, which could affect our preparations for ‘My Song.’”

Chen Ke tried to persuade him again, “Young Master Yang, I really think you should reconsider. Don’t make a rash decision. Filming this show is a tough job—you don’t have to do it.”

“If Li Xuan isn’t afraid, why should I be? Just help me lock down the appearance, will you?”

Even if Zhang Qiyang couldn’t save the show, when his own company was in trouble, he believed his willingness to help would be recognized. After all, the production team was part of his own company—they might return the favor someday.

Chen Ke finished the meal feeling thoroughly frustrated. The more she didn’t want to see Zhang Qiyang and Li Xuan get closer, the more they seemed drawn together. That night, Zhang Qiyang not only wanted to make shoes for Li Xuan, but also to appear on a show with her. Chen Ke couldn’t help but suspect Zhang Qiyang’s intentions—could it be that this young heir had set his sights on her Li Xuan?