Chapter 67: Xiangjiang Best Voice

At two a. m., the lights in Yongsheng Pictures' office remained on.

Xiang Fei leaned back in his leather chair, fingertips lightly tapping the desk; the proposal before him had been revised seven times.

"Talent show… needs high ratings and quality new artists…" He rubbed his temples, then suddenly brightened, "'China's Best Voice'!"

He sat bolt upright, snatched up his pen, and scribbled furiously on paper: "'Xiangjiang Best Voice' — Blind Auditions, Coach Chairs, Battle Stages…"

The next morning, Xiang Fei stared at the freshly printed proposal, a sly smile curling his lips. He picked up the phone and dialed Xiang Sheng's number.

"Hey~ Uncle Sheng~~" He dragged out the tone, voice dripping with mischief.

From the other end came Xiang Sheng's roar: "Brat! What scheme are you cooking up now?"

"Are you free this afternoon? I've got a little project I'd like you to review~"

"Don't give me that! Last time you said 'little project,' you got me negotiating with the top star of Xinyi City!"

Xiang Fei stifled his laugh: "This one's truly small—right in your office. I'll come by in person to explain."

Xiang Sheng hesitated: "…Come at two. If you're late, I'll send your two-year-old bedwetting photo to Amin!"

At precisely two p. m., Xiang Fei appeared at Xiang Sheng's office door. He straightened his suit and tie, then knocked—only to hear thunderous snoring from inside.

He pushed the door open: Xiang Sheng was sprawled in his executive chair, feet propped on the desk, a copy of Playboy covering his face as he slept soundly.

Xiang Fei tiptoed to the desk, then suddenly shouted: "My dad's here to inspect!"

"What?!" Xiang Sheng jolted upright; the magazine "thwack!" fell to the floor, revealing a sexy swimsuit model.

Seeing it was Xiang Fei, Xiang Sheng grabbed the cigar box and hurled it: "You little brat! You nearly scared me to death!"

Xiang Fei dodged nimbly and grinned as he handed over the proposal: "Uncle Sheng, calm down—take a look at this?"

Xiang Sheng grumbled as he flipped through the file; after two pages, his eyes widened: "Blind auditions? Rotating chairs? How the hell did your brain grow?"

"Sound equipment is German-imported. Coach chairs modified for rotation." Xiang Fei pointed to the blueprints, "The key point is—"

"Voice! Only the voice!" Xiang Sheng slammed the desk excitedly, "This idea is brilliant! Even ugly, lopsided faces can become singers!"

Xiang Fei's lip twitched: "…Uncle Sheng, your summary is truly one-of-a-kind."

Xiang Sheng was already immersed: "Four coaches… Zhang Guorong must be invited, Deng Li Army's recuperating in America… Xu Jianjie? No, no—he's too expensive…"

"What about Mei Yanfang?" Xiang Fei suggested. "And Lo Wai—both powerhouses."

Xiang Sheng's eyes lit up: "Brilliant! Elders to anchor it, newcomers to draw crowds!" He suddenly frowned, "Wait—what's the production cost?"

"Advertising sponsorship." Xiang Fei was confident.

Xiang Sheng lit a cigar and took a deep drag: "Fine. What do you want me to do?"

"Three things." Xiang Fei held up his fingers. "First, secure prime TV time. Second, assemble the production team. Third…"

He dragged out the words. Xiang Sheng leaned back warily: "You trying to trap me again?"

"Third~" Xiang Fei winked, "You become the executive producer."

"What?!" Xiang Sheng dropped his cigar. "I'm still managing 'Infernal Affairs'!"

Xiang Fei had prepared in advance—he pulled a 1982 Lafite from his briefcase: "I heard someone's collection is missing just this bottle…"

Xiang Sheng's eyes glazed over. After three seconds of struggle, he snatched the bottle: "Deal! But you get Tsang Chi-wai as host!"

Just as uncle and nephew shook hands, the office door suddenly swung open.

Chen Lan stormed in: "What are you two plotting?"

Xiang Sheng frantically hid the wine; Xiang Fei sweetly handed over the proposal: "Auntie, perfect timing—take a look at this?"

Chen Lan skimmed it quickly, then clapped: "I want to be a judge on this show!"

"Huh?" The uncle and nephew stared blankly.

Chen Lan flicked her curls triumphantly: "What? I was runner-up in the Rediffusion Television singing contest!"

Xiang Sheng muttered under his breath: "…You just had the judges chasing you."

Chen Lan shot him a glare; Xiang Sheng instantly corrected himself: "Sister-in-law on board? Ratings will double!"

Three hours later, the Yongsheng executive meeting room was packed.

Xiang Fei stood before the projector: "Auditions start next week. The contest lasts three months. Finals will be at the Hong Kong Coliseum."

The production director asked: "What about the rotating chair mechanism?"

"Already contacted German engineers." Xiang Fei switched slides. "Here's the stage design—all LED screens use…"

The marketing director raised his hand: "Advertising sponsorship plan?"

Xiang Sheng, cigar in mouth, replied: "Tomorrow I've got six sponsors lined up. Starting bid: thirty million!"

Amid the gasps, Chen Lan suddenly interjected: "Add me to the judging panel—I guarantee buzz!"