The eight-year-old girl was no longer the child who needed constant supervision. Wei Xingzhou also felt a lot more relaxed. He took advantage of Lu Wanqing's nap time to quietly open his light-brain and inform the director of the variety show "Dear Family" of their upcoming participation.
On the other side, the director's mind went blank upon receiving his reply. After a moment of stunned silence, he finally reacted, immediately pushing aside the female companion beside him and eagerly messaging Wei Xingzhou back.
"Really? Is Lu Wanqing really willing to come on our show with you?"
Seeing the director's message, Wei Xingzhou scoffed, "Is Lu Wanqing more popular than me?"
However, considering Lu Wanqing's special status and position in the interstellar era, he swallowed his grumbles. "Fine, I won't bicker with Lu Wanqing."
"Mm," Wei Xingzhou replied.
"So... can I announce this news now?" Director Li Xiaogang asked excitedly.
Wei Xingzhou agreed, "Yes."
"Oh, right."
"When you're selecting contestants, bring those few people over too."
Wei Xingzhou suddenly sent two messages.
On the other end, Li Xiaogang was stunned by Wei Xingzhou's messages. After a moment of hesitation, he couldn't help but ask, "Which few?"
"Just those few," Wei Xingzhou stated concisely. Having been in the entertainment industry for over a decade, he was familiar with many renowned directors, and they were equally familiar with him. Therefore, the directors would know who he was referring to without needing explicit mention.
However, Li Xiaogang, while guessing who they were, still found it hard to believe.
"Um... isn't that a bit... problematic?" Li Xiaogang messaged cautiously.
Wei Xingzhou directly replied, "Lu Wanqing has been in a bad mood lately. Have those people come over to cause her some trouble, and incidentally, let Lu Wanqing slap them in the face. When people are busy, their mood improves."
"Besides, isn't that what variety shows are all about? Conflict, drama, and contrast. That's how shows become popular," Wei Xingzhou said.
Li Xiaogang's heart began to race. He knew that such an arrangement would be excellent. Putting several notoriously difficult celebrities together – oh, no, I mean, stars – in the same show would undoubtedly make it explode in popularity even before it aired, just based on the lineup.
It was too thrilling; he almost couldn't fathom it.
"But if we arrange it like this, won't we get beaten?" Li Xiaogang was still very apprehensive.
"Everyone in the country knows Ms. Lu's connections. If those people retaliate, I won't be able to bear the consequences," Li Xiaogang said, feigning fear.
Wei Xingzhou looked at Li Xiaogang's message and scoffed, "So you're afraid of these things?"
"If you're that timid, then perhaps Lu Wanqing and I shouldn't participate in this show. We can switch to another one," Wei Xingzhou replied leisurely.
Upon seeing Wei Xingzhou's message, Li Xiaogang's heart skipped a beat. He quickly changed his tune, "Hey, it's nothing. I was just worried about playing too rough and not being able to handle the repercussions if people investigated. But it's just an entertainment show, I believe there won't be too much danger. It should be fine. The higher-ups probably won't be that petty. It's no problem."
Wei Xingzhou looked at Li Xiaogang's message and was finally satisfied.
After a long while, Wei Xingzhou sent another message, concise and to the point: "Lu Wanqing is very strong. Don't underestimate her."
On the other end, Li Xiaogang was a bit bewildered by Wei Xingzhou's message. Very strong? How strong? No matter how strong, she's still a woman, right?
As Li Xiaogang thought about it, he recalled Lu Wanqing's ability to build super-3S mechs. In terms of mech manufacturing, Lu Wanqing was indeed very capable. However, this was the entertainment industry, not mech building, wasn't it? He was somewhat dismissive.
Still, regarding the arrangement of contestants, since Wei Xingzhou had spoken, he naturally wouldn't refuse. Inviting those few people would ensure this season's show had plenty of explosive content.
"Director Li~" The female companion beside him leaned in again, her small hand slowly caressing Li Xiaogang's chest as she spoke in a gentle voice.
Li Xiaogang snapped back to attention. He glanced at the woman, then turned to pick up the wine glass on the coffee table, draining its contents in one gulp. He then said, "Let's call it a day. I have some things to do. I'll find you to play again another time."
The woman looked surprised and shocked.
Li Xiaogang stood up, intending to get to work. However, seeing that the woman hadn't left, he frowned, "Aren't you leaving?"
The woman's face turned pale. She quickly stood up, anxiously asking, "Director Li, can I... can I participate in this variety show?"
Li Xiaogang shook his head, "Forget it this time. I'm bringing in some special guests, and this show is guaranteed to be a massive hit."
Saying this, Li Xiaogang excitedly walked towards his study.
The woman was anxious and grabbed Li Xiaogang's arm, "Director Li, I can really do it. Believe me, my fans all say I have great variety show appeal, and I've become much more popular recently, with a lot of traffic."
Li Xiaogang's expression turned cold. He turned and stared at the woman, "Are you telling me how to do my job?"
The woman froze.
"Get out!" Li Xiaogang's face darkened as he yelled.
The woman's calves trembled slightly, filled with fear.
"Get out, or I'll make sure you can't survive in the entertainment industry!" Li Xiaogang commanded sternly.
The woman's expression instantly turned ugly, filled with shame and unwillingness. But in the end, she could only leave.
Li Xiaogang relaxed. Bai Chuchu was just a minor celebrity who had recently gained some popularity from a drama. She wasn't even considered third-tier. Relying on that small burst of fame, she wanted to latch onto him and get on his variety show.
If it were before, he might have turned a blind eye and let her in.
But this time was different. With Wei Xingzhou and Lu Wanqing willing to bring their child to participate in their variety show, this season was destined to be a huge hit. Coupled with the specific individuals Wei Xingzhou had requested, he needed to gather everyone to make the show even more popular. He couldn't ruin it because of a minor celebrity from the eighteenth tier.
*
Lu Wanqing woke up to darkness outside. She felt a bit disoriented, but her mind quickly cleared.
She opened her light-brain and checked her messages. Her third brother still hadn't sent any.
Lu Wanqing took a deep breath, suppressing her emotions, then got up, tidied herself, and went downstairs.
Downstairs, Cui Cui saw Mommy coming down and exclaimed with joy, "Mommy!"
Seeing Cui Cui, Lu Wanqing's somber mood improved slightly. She smiled and nodded, "Mm."
Cui Cui quickly came over to the bottom of the stairs, looking at her mother with sparkling eyes.
Lu Wanqing walked down and asked with a smile, "What were you guys doing downstairs?"
"N-nothing," Cui Cui suddenly stammered.
Lu Wanqing looked at Cui Cui.
Wei Xingzhou also looked at Lu Wanqing and said with a smile, "Lu Wanqing, I've already informed the director that our family of three will be going on the variety show."
Lu Wanqing froze for a moment, then nodded, "Okay."