Chapter 77
"Sister Li, 'Happy One Plus One' has also sent an invitation!" Feng Chengxi exclaimed excitedly.
Sister Li's eyes lit up as she quickly asked, "Really? Is it true?"
"Of course it's true!" Feng Chengxi nodded emphatically. "The producer called personally."
"That's fantastic, absolutely fantastic!" Sister Li stood up and paced around the room several times. "'Happy One Plus One' isn't like other shows that drag on for ages—it's just one episode, finished in a single day of filming. Plus, we can bring other artists from the company along to join the program."
Feng Chengxi was also thrilled, but she still felt the need to temper Sister Li's excitement. "What if Sister Nanyan refuses to go?"
Sister Li shook her head. "Impossible. She’ll definitely go. And it’s just one day—it won’t interfere with anything."
Three days passed quickly, and the stack of invitations had grown so large it was overwhelming. Feng Chengxi had already filtered out the smaller, less prestigious productions.
"Huh, 'Back to School'? What kind of variety show is this?" Feng Chengxi muttered in surprise. After a quick search, she discovered it was a new program with a total budget of just 10 million yuan, featuring mostly unknown third-tier celebrities.
The concept wasn’t particularly impressive either—it revolved around celebrities and gifted students attending classes together to learn new subjects.
"This show sounds so boring. Who would even watch it?"
Feng Chengxi was about to toss the invitation aside when Sister Li caught her.
"Wait." Sister Li stopped her, picking up the contract and placing it back with a sigh. "This is Director Rong’s show. He used to be very well-known, responsible for several hit programs."
Feng Chengxi asked curiously, "Director Rong En?"
"Yes." Sister Li nodded.
Feng Chengxi was stunned. "That’s Director Rong En? But this show looks so low-budget! A total investment of just 10 million—how much could the pay even be? I remember Director Rong’s past shows were huge, with budgets in the hundreds of millions.
Why would he make something so… strange now?"
She held back from being too harsh, settling on the word "strange." To her, the show was utterly unremarkable—a complete waste of time with no audience appeal.
Sister Li sighed. "Director Rong is an idealist. He believes modern entertainment has become mindless, that no one can sit down and quietly read or learn anymore.
He wants to change that. Even if his influence is limited, he still wants to contribute however he can."
Feng Chengxi admired Director Rong’s vision, but she didn’t agree with his approach.
She thought it was pointless—what could a single variety show possibly accomplish? Nothing!
A waste of time and money.
These days, ideals were a dime a dozen.
Feng Chengxi pulled out the 'Back to School' invitation and set it aside, deciding not to present it to Gu Nanyan.
Sister Li noticed but hesitated, ultimately saying nothing.
There was no point—Gu Nanyan wouldn’t join this show anyway.
Not only was she currently at the peak of her fame, but she was also the wife of the wealthy Zhan family. Money wasn’t an issue.
With so many high-profile productions clamoring for her attention, why would she bother with an obscure little program?
Sister Li and Feng Chengxi left the company with a stack of contracts and invitations. Just as they were about to get into their car, someone called out, "Li Qi! Wait, hold on!"
Sister Li turned and saw Director Rong.
She quickly walked back to meet him. "What brings you here?"
"I came to deliver a revised contract." Director Rong was out of breath, his forehead damp with sweat. Though only in his fifties, his hair had already turned completely white. "The previous one wasn’t good enough, so I made changes. Gu Nanyan can set any terms she wants."
Sister Li felt a pang of sympathy as she took the new contract, unsure what to say.
Truthfully, this trip was unnecessary—whether the contract was new or old, it didn’t matter. Gu Nanyan wouldn’t accept.
Still, she couldn’t bring herself to say it outright. Instead, she nodded. "Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Gu Nanyan sees this."
With that assurance, Rong En visibly relaxed, a smile finally appearing on his face.
After Sister Li and Feng Chengxi left, Rong En’s assistant couldn’t hide his confusion.
"Director Rong, the invitation wasn’t revised at all. Why did you say it was, and why did you come all this way?"
Rong En turned away, his tone calm. "The original invitation was definitely discarded. I came in person to swallow my pride and ask Li Qi to take it seriously—just for my sake."
The assistant frowned. "Director Rong, why put yourself through this? You know Gu Nanyan won’t accept, even if the invitation reaches her. Even if Sister Li puts in a good word, it won’t change anything.
Gu Nanyan is at the height of her fame right now. She has her pick of blockbuster productions and hit variety shows—why would she choose ours?"
Rong En sighed. "I know. I know the odds are slim. But if I don’t try, I’ll always regret it.
She’s perfect for our show! Her survival on that deserted island, making it back alive—it all proves the power of knowledge. Only she can make our message convincing."
The assistant lowered his head. "Director Rong, aren’t you overestimating her? She’s just physically strong. I’ve heard her education level is average, her cultural literacy lacking."
"What do you know?" Rong En scolded. "You’ve got eyes but can’t see what’s right in front of you."
Meanwhile, Sister Li and Feng Chengxi arrived at The Zhan Family Courtyard.
Gu Nanyan met them in the study.
As soon as they sat down, Sister Li quickly summarized the situation outside and asked Gu Nanyan if she’d consider giving an interview.
Gu Nanyan flipped through the invitations, her tone indifferent. "Interview about what?"
Sister Li explained, "It’s about capitalizing on your current popularity, solidifying your fanbase. Everyone’s eager to hear from you—an interview would strengthen their loyalty."
Gu Nanyan didn’t respond, uninterested. She continued skimming through the offers.
There were numerous film and TV scripts, none of which caught her attention. She set them all aside.
Commercial events and brand endorsements didn’t appeal to her either.
She didn’t need the money.
Finally, there were the variety show invitations.
Gu Nanyan didn’t bother reading each one, instead asking Sister Li to summarize them.
After a brief rundown, Sister Li suggested, "Nanyan, 'Happy One Plus One' would be a good choice. It’s extremely popular right now, and it’s just one episode—very short commitment."
Gu Nanyan remained silent.
Sister Li wanted to persuade her further, but something about Gu Nanyan’s cool demeanor made the words stick in her throat.
An inexplicable sense of submission washed over her—she didn’t dare push.
So, Sister Li continued listing the shows. Some made Gu Nanyan frown the moment their names were mentioned.
Noticing this, Sister Li’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly moved on.
As she went, she somehow learned to read Gu Nanyan’s reactions instantly.
If Gu Nanyan showed interest, she elaborated.
If Gu Nanyan lowered her gaze, she skipped ahead without hesitation.
Sister Li recited the names mechanically, assuming Gu Nanyan wouldn’t pay much attention when she reached "Going to School."
To her surprise, Gu Nanyan proactively spoke up, "‘Going to School’? Let me take a look."
Sister Li was stunned, exchanging a glance with Feng Chengxi.
The two of them stood frozen in shock.
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