Chapter 68: Xu Guanjie's Sudden Entry

In a Causeway Bay cha chaan teng, Xiang Fei slid a proposal with a gold-embossed cover across the table to Zeng Zhiwei.

"Wei-ge, take a look at this."

Zeng Zhiwei was gnawing on a pineapple bun; he wiped his greasy hands on his apron and flipped open the document. After barely two pages, his beady eyes went wide: "Wow! Blind auditions? Swivel chairs? That's one sharp concept!"

Xiang Fei smiled and handed him a napkin: "So, what do you think? Interested in being the host?"

Zeng Zhiwei thumped his chest, sending pineapple-bun crumbs flying: "Leave it to me! Not to brag, but in all of Xiangjiang, when it comes to thinking on your feet, no one dares claim first place if I'm second!"

"Knew coming to Wei-ge was the right call." Xiang Fei picked up his milk tea, "But this time the style needs to be more proper—cut the dirty jokes."

Zeng Zhiwei wiggled his eyebrows: "Relax~ I can tell the difference between Enjoy Yourself Tonight and a proper show." He suddenly lowered his voice,

At nine that evening, Xiang Fei was revising the stage-design blueprints for Xiangjiang's Got Voice when his phone suddenly rang.

"Ah-Fei, your auntie is sorry for you..." Chen Lan's voice on the other end carried an apologetic tone.

Xiang Fei set down his fountain pen: "What is it, Auntie?"

"The judge spot... I'm afraid we'll have to give it to Xu Guanjie." Chen Lan sighed, "That guy showed up at my place yesterday and latched onto your Uncle Qiang's thigh, wouldn't let go..."

Xiang Fei pictured the scene and nearly burst out laughing: "Teacher Xu Guanjie?"

"You bet! Saying things like 'I've waited thirty years for a show like this,' tears and snot all over your Uncle Qiang's pants." Chen Lan said helplessly, "I figured his status in the music scene is high, he really is more suitable than me..."

"Don't worry, Auntie," Xiang Fei comforted her, "I happen to need a backstage commander-in-chief—how about you be the show's executive producer?"

Chen Lan's voice immediately perked up: "Really? Aiya, my dear nephew is so thoughtful! I'll go poach TVB's director team tomorrow!"

After hanging up, Xiang Fei sent Xiang Qiang a text: 【Uncle Qiang, thanks for the Xu Guanjie thing】

Three seconds later, a reply came: 【That guy is now clinging to my other leg, crying! Hurry up and get this show going!】

Xiang Fei laughed and shook his head, then dialed Zhou Huimin: "Ah-Min, free tomorrow? I'll take you to meet someone interesting."

A gentle voice came through the phone: "Who?"

"Xu Guanjie." Xiang Fei winked, "He's clinging to my Uncle Qiang's thigh demanding to be a judge—let's go fan the flames."

The next day at noon, the Peninsula Hotel.

Xu Guanjie was chattering away about the show's concept: "The swivel chairs need presence! I suggest adding a 'bang' sound effect..." He suddenly spotted Xiang Fei and Zhou Huimin walking in and immediately stood up: "Fei-Zai! Ah-Min!"

Xiang Fei smiled and shook his hand: "Sam-ge, long time no see."

Xu Guanjie stared at the proposal with burning eyes: "I absolutely must join this show! All my years in the music scene, and I've never seen such a fresh concept!"

Zhou Huimin asked softly: "Is Sam-ge planning to be a judge?"

"Of course!" Xu Guanjie slapped the table, "I want to personally discover Xiangjiang's great voice!"

Before afternoon tea was even finished, Zeng Zhiwei's call came charging in: "Ah-Fei! I heard Xu Guanjie is joining? Then my hosting gig..."

Xiang Fei walked to a corner: "Don't panic, Wei-ge—your two styles don't clash."

"They clash big time!" Zeng Zhiwei wailed, "The moment that guy stands on stage, who's going to look at me?"

Xiang Fei lowered his voice: "So I've arranged a special segment for you—each episode you can roast one judge..."

Silence on the other end for three seconds, then a burst of sly laughter: "Hehehe... I'm going to imitate Xu Guanjie singing on stage!"