Chapter 18

It's a new week.

Zhang Ye arrived very early, as there was a regular meeting on Monday morning.

In the small meeting room of the cultural radio station, almost everyone had gathered. Director Zhao Guozhou, with a radiant face, said, "I have some good news to share with everyone. Our cultural radio station's overall average listenership has surpassed the music station for two consecutive days this weekend, reclaiming the third position in the station's listenership rankings. This is inseparable from everyone's efforts. I suggest we give ourselves a round of applause."

Clap, clap, clap!

Everyone clapped to boost morale!

Due to the special nature of the news and traffic frequencies, the top two spots in the Beijing Radio Station were not really up for competition, just like TV programs. How could a variety show or a TV drama compete with the CCTV News Broadcast? Unless there were some extraordinary programs or series, it would be meaningless and boring to even try. However, the third place was up for grabs, and it usually alternated between the music and cultural frequencies. The competition between the two frequencies had been intense for many years. This time, after being overshadowed by the music frequency for several months, they had finally reclaimed the third place, which was a huge morale boost for everyone!

"Next, I will announce the weekend's listenership ratings," Zhao Guozhou said, picking up the list.

"The World in Words" had a listenership of 3.19% and 3.27%.

"Daily Entertainment" had a listenership of 2.13% and 2.22%.

"Midnight Ghost Stories" had a listenership of 1.39% and 1.42%.

"Daily Laughter" had a listenership of 0.92% and 0.93%.

The ratings were for Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

From the top-rated "The World in Words" to the lowest-rated "Old and Young Storytelling," Zhao Guozhou looked at everyone and summarized, "I won't mention Xiao Mei, as 'The World in Words' has never dropped from the top of our frequency in recent years, and the ratings have been very stable. However, I must particularly commend Zhang Ye this time. The reclamation of the third place from the music frequency is largely due to 'Midnight Ghost Stories.' It has jumped from one of the lowest-rated programs to a consistently high-rated one. Zhang Ye deserves credit, especially this weekend. The later bedtime of the audience might have contributed to another surge in the ratings of 'Midnight Ghost Stories.' Very good, very well done, Zhang Ye, keep up the good work!"

Zhang Ye humbly replied, "Thank you, Director Zhao. I will."

Tian Bin glanced at him with a complex expression.

The top anchor, Wang Xiaomei, and other broadcasters and staff also looked at Zhang Ye, each with different thoughts about this new anchor who had made a stunning debut.

Zhao Guozhou nodded and said, "Now, let's talk about the tasks for this week."

Zhang Ye didn't like meetings; they always made him drowsy. This had been the case since his university days. He couldn't help but fall asleep during such times, but today he didn't. As Zhao Guozhou spoke, he suddenly jumped onto the meeting table and started dancing the rumba. Zhang Ye immediately perked up, both worried about his old age and entertained by the performance. Then... well, then Zhang Ye woke up, seeing that the host of "Old and Young Storytelling," Mr. Feng, who was in his fifties, was nudging his arm to remind him. Zhang Ye quickly gave Mr. Feng a grateful look. Sigh, he had fallen asleep again.

Zhao Guozhou continued, addressing Wang Xiaomei, "Xiao Mei, tonight's 'The World in Words' at 8 PM is a live broadcast and a rare emotional special. It will involve deep interaction with the audience. Are you prepared?"

Wang Xiaomei replied casually, "Don't worry, leader. Although most of the broadcasts are recorded, we have done live broadcasts many times over the years. There won't be any problems."

"That's good," Zhao Guozhou smiled. "I trust you to host it."

Wang Xiaomei asked, "We are just missing a guest. The psychologist, Mr. Jiang, who we invited last time is on a business trip and can't make it. He informed us this morning. If it comes to it, I can handle it alone."

Zhao Guozhou thought for a moment and said, "It's better to have a guest."

A small leader suggested, "How about we have one of our station's broadcasters guest as a host?"

Zhao Guozhou's eyes suddenly fell on Zhang Ye. In a moment of inspiration, he said, "How about Zhang Ye? He's not much older than Xiao Mei, and they are both young. Their views on emotions and values should be similar, and they should work well together. This is also a good opportunity to promote our late-night programs. What do you think?"

Zhang Ye was taken aback, "I'll follow the leader's arrangement."

Zhao Guozhou decided, "Good, it's settled then."

From Zhang Ye's perspective, this was a good opportunity. Although his program's listenership had skyrocketed and broken records, it still lagged far behind "The World in Words," one of the top programs in the station. If he could leverage the popularity of "The World in Words" to promote his own program, it would be beneficial. Moreover, Zhang Ye wouldn't miss such an opportunity to gain exposure and increase his reputation. He was aiming for fame, and any chance to be in the spotlight was something he would eagerly seize!

However, Wang Xiaomei clearly wasn't pleased. Her face turned a bit sour, "Director Zhao, wouldn't it be better to find a more experienced teacher?"

Zhao Guozhou replied, "Zhang Ye hosts both recorded and live broadcasts without a script. He doesn't even write a draft. Do you doubt his ability to express himself? I think it's fine."

The meeting ended.

Everyone left the meeting room one after another.

Zhang Ye needed to discuss the live broadcast content with Wang Xiaomei, so he hurried to catch up with her, "Teacher Wang."

Wang Xiaomei stopped, "Zhang Ye, what is it?"

Zhang Ye thought, _You know what it is, right?_ He said, "About the live broadcast, we should..."

Wang Xiaomei interrupted him, "This live broadcast will have no script. We will take calls from listeners and help them with emotional issues. During the broadcast, you don't need to talk much or interrupt. Speak only when I ask you to, as I have my own rhythm. Just follow my lead and don't share too many of your personal opinions or advice on emotions. I don't think you have much dating experience, so leave the technical aspects to me. If you say the wrong thing or give the wrong advice, it will affect the future ratings and trust of my program!"

Zhang Ye: "..."

Wang Xiaomei left after saying that.

Zhang Ye thought, _What did I do to you? Is it really necessary? You're giving me so many warnings before anything even happens. You don't trust your colleagues at all, do you? I'm at least the third-highest-rated host on our frequency, and you won't even give me basic respect? You're saying I haven't dated and shouldn't share my personal views? You're really funny. Back in school, I had countless girls chasing after me, and I never even bothered to pay attention to them. My dating experience is... well, it's... cough, never mind, I won't brag about it._