Chapter 164: A Tense Show Filled with Sparks, Guan Yiqiu’s Growing Favor

The substitute driver was a sensible person and headed to Starbucks to wait.

After a phone call between Cheng Yao and Guan Yiqiu, Guan hurried to the entrance, and upon seeing him, she exclaimed happily, “Quick, come upstairs with me to prepare. I’ll also need you to review the script.”

“Isn’t it supposed to be impromptu?” Cheng asked.

Well, that was fine—he hadn’t prepared much anyway and had come in a rush.

“I’ve prepared the questions in advance. It’ll be easier for you to answer then, and there won’t be any sensitive topics. Our deputy section chief isn’t from an important department,” Guan reassured him.

With that, Cheng felt no pressure. Late-night shows like this weren’t usually given much importance anyway. Following her graceful figure, he took the elevator up to the studio.

The deputy section chief of the TV station’s department eagerly awaited, greeting Cheng with a smile: “Boss Cheng, I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Hello, Director,” Cheng replied politely.

“Ha, young and promising—impressive! Guan, show Boss Cheng the script; we start in half an hour.”

“Okay. Has Sister Qi arrived yet?”

“She’s on her way.”

Cheng quickly took the script from Guan. Leaning in, she whispered, “Qi Muhan will co-host the show with me. She’s a bit sharp-tongued; don’t take her seriously.”

“Your TV station has people like that?”

“Like me, half of us got in through connections. Just read through the script first. Do you want to put on some makeup?”

“No, I’m not used to that.”

“Alright.”

Cheng’s presence was already a favor to her, and Guan felt deeply grateful.

Seated backstage, Cheng perused the script, which mostly covered why his company settled in Jinling, his views on the future of the internet, the smart toothbrush program, and upcoming projects.

Half an hour later, as the show was about to begin, a woman in a red dress entered. Her expression was anything but meek. Sometimes, a person’s face reveals their heart—though not always accurate, at times it's eerily precise.

“Mr. Cheng, hello.”

“Hello.”

Qi Muhan sized up Cheng with a forced smile. Rumor had it she was Guan’s junior and that Cheng was gaining popularity online and was quite handsome.

But superficial things rarely withstand the test of time. This smart toothbrush was just a copycat of Xiaomi’s products, largely the same. As for internet streamers, she instinctively felt they were idle.

Overall, she saw him as a privileged kid flaunting family wealth to make a splash—not worth much attention.

She hadn’t wanted to participate, but since Guan had taken her place and she was about to be promoted, she figured it was the last time anyway.

Cheng glanced at Qi’s retreating back, his smile stiff and tinged with sarcasm.

Yet, since she hadn’t said it aloud, he considered her somewhat cultured.

He wouldn’t bother caring; their lives didn’t intersect.

Half an hour passed, and the show was ready.

In the hall, cameras and lights were set. Cheng sat confidently on the stool, facing the lens.

“Mr. Cheng, welcome to our program.”

“Boss Cheng looks just as handsome as the rumors say. He must have been very popular at school, right?” Qi teased.

Guan’s smile stiffened slightly—this wasn’t what they had agreed on. She knew Qi hadn’t read the script she prepared. A flicker of dislike stirred within her.

Such so-called seniors cared nothing for newcomers’ feelings, acting as they pleased without respect or cooperation.

But the show was live; she had to endure.

Guan smiled: “Mr. Cheng is indeed well-liked at his alma mater; I’ve heard so myself. Let’s get to the point.

Just yesterday, Shengxia Technology, under Mr. Cheng’s name, launched a smart toothbrush on the market. Why venture into daily necessities? I recall Mr. Cheng is involved in the internet industry.”

Cheng straightened up. “It’s the age of traffic now. The contribution to the city’s GDP speaks for itself. I’m a bit late entering the field, so I wanted to do something more tangible…”

Qi smiled, “Boss Cheng, where did the idea for the smart toothbrush come from? The market is flooded with such products; do you really think you can compete with the big companies?”

The second question carried a sharp edge.

Cheng was prepared and remained unfazed, replying with a teasing tone: “The world is vast; there’s always a market for everyone. It’s not about fighting over it. How much we sell depends on our own capability.”

“And what sets your product apart?”

“In terms of quality and effectiveness, I’m confident ours is better.”

“Well, best of luck. Speaking of internet entertainment, since you know it’s a bit late to enter, why still participate?”

“Why?” Cheng smiled. “Of course, to make money. Otherwise, why bother? I’m just an ordinary person with no lofty ideals.”

Guan sensed the tension rising and quickly softened the mood: “Mr. Cheng, what’s your view on the profession of internet streaming?”

“There’s no high or low in professions. Those who foresaw the potential of internet entertainment—I don’t believe a word of it. Who would do this if not out of desperation?

Of course, some come for the big money. Nowadays, a good-looking person has a guaranteed job. If you have talent, it’s even better—you can make a living anywhere.”

Cheng spoke earnestly: “It’s mostly helplessness. Even given a stable, secure job, few would risk this line of work. Those who make it big can say whatever they want. Many in my company do live streaming for a salary—they’re just after the money.”

“I agree. No profession is inferior. You seem very sincere, Mr. Cheng. Besides expanding the Jinling market, do you have other goals?”

“Yes, Shengxia Technology is developing the next product, focusing on daily necessities. It should be ready soon.”

“Great…”

Cheng answered each question with ease—not because of the script, but because he knew what to say.

Qi’s confrontational tone was unmistakable; a less patient person might have shouted.

The program went on until eleven. After a commercial break, Qi asked with a smile, “I’m curious—there’s gossip online about you and Miss Xia Shiqi being a couple. Is that true?”

“Such a boring question needs asking?” Cheng scoffed, looking at Qi disdainfully. “It’s obviously false. She’s clarified it, but they won’t let go. Amusing, isn’t it?”

“Mr. Cheng, let’s skip that. Today, we mainly want to ask: you’ve achieved so much at a young age. Do you feel any sense of superiority?”

Guan inwardly wished she could tear Qi apart—such a disgusting question.

Cheng nodded lightly: “A little superiority, sure. Anyone would feel that. Like when you wear new clothes and feel happy, or a child excited with a new toy.”

“Mr. Cheng is very humorous—just normal emotions, then…”

At that moment, the TV station’s ratings noticeably rose.

The deputy director felt thrilled. Compared to Guan’s steady approach, he preferred Qi’s boldness—it attracted viewers.

See? The ratings went up.

Before long, it was half past eleven. Cheng took the chance to promote his product. As each question ended, the show finally wrapped up in the early hours.

He had only shown a glimpse of his true personality, yet the late-night program’s ratings soared.

Qi had no idea the impact of her approach.

Meanwhile, viewers weren’t strangers—Zhang Ya and others sat watching, too.

Jiang Yuexi couldn’t help but clench her fist. “That host is so aggravating.”

“Feels like she’s acting all high and mighty,” Zhang Ya frowned.

Though Cheng’s words were sometimes sharp, they were forced comebacks.

Once the interview ended, Zhang Ya said, “I’ll give him a call; he should be back soon.”

After leaving the TV station, Guan smiled and asked, “Want to grab a drink?”

“No, someone’s waiting for me at home,” Cheng replied.

Just then, Zhang Ya called. After a brief exchange, Cheng looked at Guan: “Next time, definitely next time.”

Late at night, going out drinking with Guan might easily lead to a hotel visit.

He now understood how those women got caught—if the other party didn’t consent, it would be a crime.

So, he scorned excuses for cheating.

But if Zhang Ya found out, he already had a ready excuse. Still, it wouldn’t happen, as Lu Mengyao and the others wouldn’t confess.

He knew this all too well—he was in that business.

Besides, Zhang Ya was waiting for him clean and fresh at home. If he went drinking with Guan, who had a boyfriend, he’d be out of his mind.

After being refused, Guan wasn’t embarrassed and smiled, “Alright, next time. Want me to see you off?”

She pointed to a white Mercedes C in the distance; Cheng gestured toward a nearby Mercedes E.

“No need. It’s late; better to rest early. I’ve ordered a driver and they’re waiting.”

Cheng had messaged the substitute driver earlier, who should be arriving soon.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, the driver hurried over with a bag, solving Cheng’s urgent problem. “Boss Cheng, ready to go?”

“Let’s go, senior. Time to leave.”

“Okay. Tell the driver to go slow,” Guan waved.

Cheng waved back. “Drive.”

He was eager to get home and sleep beside Zhang Ya, no mood for scheming with Guan.

…

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P.S.: Taking a rest today. Updates resume tomorrow.