Chapter 82: We Must Promote Positive Energy in This Program of Ours

"So, you're planning to step into the variety show business, brother? This industry isn't easy to work in; you don't know the true faces of the television stations."

Upon hearing about the project Wei Jin mentioned—that it was actually a self-produced variety show—Wang Changtian looked troubled and spoke hesitantly, thinking this was essentially stealing business from his own plate.

Listening to Wang Changtian's rambling complaints, Wei Jin understood clearly: this guy wouldn't release the hawk until he saw the rabbit.

"President Wang, you know my style. Let's not beat around the bush; take a look at my proposal first."

Liu Yan, very perceptive, took out the documents and handed them to Wang Changtian with both hands.

Seeing that Wei Jin wasn't joking, Wang Changtian became a bit more serious and took the proposal to read it. To everyone's surprise, he spent over ten minutes reading it.

"Brother Wei, what am I supposed to say about you? Movies are one thing—that's your professional field after all—and you've also achieved quite a bit in music, which I suppose I can call talent. But now, even your ideas for variety shows are impressive. How are we ordinary people supposed to survive?"

After finishing the proposal, Wang Changtian looked moved, his words showing much more approval for the project.

The variety show project Wei Jin presented was *Boys and Girls Rush Forward*. It was essentially a water-based obstacle course challenge; those who succeeded received prizes, while those who failed were knocked into the water. It was very watchable and, compared to other variety shows, had no barrier to entry, allowing for universal participation—though it was primarily aimed at young men and women.

"President Wang, you're joking. Enlighten Media is the big brother among private companies in the variety show sector. Isn't that why I've come here so eagerly to seek cooperation?"

Seeing that Wang Changtian had taken the bait, Wei Jin struck while the iron was hot and began discussing the terms of cooperation.

"Hmm, I wonder how you intend for us to cooperate, brother?"

Wei Jin then laid out the cooperation method: Wei Jin's side would provide the creativity and planning, Enlighten Media would provide the production team and distribution channels, both sides would split the production costs equally, and they would also split the project revenue equally.

In Wei Jin's view, this proposal was already very sincere, but after hearing it, Wang Changtian felt his side was at a slight disadvantage.

However, having tasted the sweetness of the *Painted Skin* project, and considering the need for long-term cooperation with Wei Jin in film, Wang Changtian nodded and agreed after a moment of thought.

"What is the approximate total investment? Have you made a detailed budget?"

Since he intended to cooperate, Wang Changtian adopted a professional attitude and began asking about the project details.

"Of course. The investment for this show isn't high; it can be done within ten million. It's mainly for the venue, labor, and prizes, all of which can be covered by sponsorships."

The show *Boys and Girls Rush Forward* didn't require big stars to join, saving a lot on appearance fees, and it didn't need professional equipment; just building the venue and recording wouldn't cost much. This was why Wei Jin chose this project to test the waters.

"Then, brother, which station do you intend to broadcast it on?"

Wang Changtian's question wasn't aimless; currently, the demand for externally purchased variety shows varies greatly among domestic television stations.

For example, Mango TV's self-produced variety shows are second to none in the country, so they have no need for external purchases.

Only stations with no achievements in variety shows would be interested, but such stations often have poor ratings, and an excellent variety show could be dragged down by the station's own low market share.

In short, high-rated stations might look down on it, while low-rated stations might ruin the show.

"I have a preference for Beijing TV, though others could be considered."

Wei Jin had given much thought to choosing Beijing TV.

Compared to the relaxed production environments of other regional satellite channels, Beijing Satellite TV is under heavy political constraints. Out of caution, they dare not touch many programs that might cause social controversy.

This has resulted in Beijing Satellite TV having no trump-card variety shows to speak of, and their ratings are terrifyingly low.

But as the capital's station, its own ratings are still in the top five among regional satellite channels, which is why it is the best platform for Wei Jin's variety show. "Hmm, alright then. Let's set a time to talk with Beijing Satellite TV."

After considering the pros and cons of Beijing Satellite TV and the nature of the show, Wang Changtian admitted that this was the highest-priority choice.

Afterwards, the two discussed more details of the show's production. Wang Changtian was indeed an expert in the variety field and offered many targeted suggestions, such as inviting more female contestants.

Seeing girls go through the obstacles, swaying on the challenge course, their faces pale with fright, and their miserable falls into the water—that was what the audience wanted to see.

Wei Jin suggested that the production time should be scheduled for the summer and that female contestants should wear as little as possible to avoid danger after falling into the water.

Wang Changtian understood immediately; this wasn't about avoiding danger—it was the ultimate Dharma Treasure for boosting ratings.

Imagine: cool outfits, fair arms, white thighs, and graceful figures soaked through—who wouldn't love to watch that?

For a moment, Wang Changtian and Wei Jin both discovered the other's strengths, feeling as if they had met too late.

If not for the fear that the show wouldn't pass censorship, Wei Jin would have loved to make a show called *Girls Rush Forward*; that would have truly grasped the code to high ratings.

Seeing that the main business was mostly settled, Wei Jin took Liu Yan and left.

Before leaving, Li Xiaoping held Liu Yan's hand, saying they were all family and that she should come back to visit often, showing great respect for Liu Yan.

Sitting in the car, Wei Jin lay comfortably on Liu Yan's lap, his hands restlessly climbing over her proud assets.

Wei Jin's car had been modified so that the driver's seat couldn't see the back row; he didn't want to be live-streamed, even if Zhu Wei wouldn't be watching.

Following Wei Jin's movements, Liu Yan's pretty face turned flushed, and she asked with a slightly breathless voice: "President Wei, you just gave the proposal to Enlighten Media like that; aren't you afraid they'll kick us out and do it themselves?"

Watching Liu Yan pretend to be calm, Wei Jin found it amusing, but his hands didn't stop.

"Wang Changtian is a man who is very timid and seeks stability. Now that the self-production capabilities of major TV stations are getting stronger and the competitiveness of private companies is getting weaker, if he doesn't transform, he'll die sooner or later. Why else do you think he wants to step into the film industry?"

Since Wei Jin dared to seek cooperation with Enlighten Media, he was certain they wouldn't dare to pull any tricks behind his back. Otherwise, if Enlighten Media wanted to transition into film production, Wei Jin would naturally teach them a lesson.

"Ah, be gentle. But we could have contacted the TV stations ourselves, couldn't we? Haven't our previous collaborations been very pleasant?"

Seemingly hurt, Liu Yan glared at Wei Jin and reached out to pinch his vital spot, asking: "It's not as simple as you think. We have no successful precedents in the variety show field, and TV stations are very realistic."

As his body grew hotter, Wei Jin sat up and patted Liu Yan's head, the implication very clear.

"When the time comes to produce this show, you be the host, okay..."

Liu Yan thought of the respect she had received at Enlighten Media today, and now that she had the opportunity to return to her original profession, she buried her head even deeper.

Wang Changtian's efficiency was high. On the third day, he brought Wei Jin to meet a leader from Beijing TV. After looking at the program proposal Wei Jin submitted, the leader immediately stated: "This kind of variety show is very good. Our program must promote positive energy; we cannot learn from other stations and engage in those murky talent shows. Hmm, President Wei's idea is very good; he has the right awareness."

The core of *Boys and Girls Rush Forward* was contestants passing challenges to win rewards; essentially, it was a sports competition program for the whole public. Compared to other talent shows that required audiences to spend money to vote, wasn't this full of positive energy? With the leader's approval, the cooperation was officially reached. After negotiations with the variety department of Beijing TV, an agreement was finally reached.

The show *Boys and Girls Rush Forward* obtained the broadcast rights on Beijing Satellite TV. Both sides would split the advertising revenue equally, but the sponsorship revenue built into the show belonged to the production side.

Additionally, if the show's ratings did not meet the minimum standard set by Beijing TV, the show would stop airing.

Wei Jin's first step into the variety show field had finally been taken smoothly. The new book is on the shelves, three chapters are presented, I implore all book friends to give a subscription and a collection, thank you all! (End of chapter)