Chapter 34

Lunch break.

The cultural radio station spread a piece of news.

"Old Wang, have you heard? Zhang Ye is in trouble."

"Huh? How come? His show ratings are pretty high, right?"

"What's the point of being high if he's not a pillar of the station? Can the station not function without him?"

"Is it because of the cursing incident? That can't be, right? The leadership already punished him, didn't they?"

"It's because of the 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' publication. The station wanted to buy his copyright and operate it, but Zhang Ye didn't understand the situation and refused to sell, embarrassing the leadership. If it were just any leader, it would be fine, but this is Deputy Director Jia, a top leader. There's no way the higher-ups will let him off!"

"Oh, really? There's such a thing?"

"Of course, he's done for."

"Shouldn't it be that bad, right?"

"How can it not be that bad? He cut off the station's revenue and a well-planned scheme. Just wait and see, the leadership will definitely deal with him. They can't allow this kind of behavior to spread."

"Ah, what a pity. The young man has high cultural literacy and is a good seed."

"I've been expecting this day. Zhang Ye doesn't know when to back down or show restraint. He's a good person, but he's too stubborn. Once you enter society and the workplace, principles aren't that important. You have to know when to compromise and endure, or you'll suffer sooner or later. His poem 'The Seagull' is really good, and I admit his literary talent, but that's just literature, just a poem. You still have to work and know when to bow your head. Otherwise, if everyone were like him, saying 'Let the storm come more fiercely,' he wouldn't even have a job. He would have offended everyone to death."

The radio station was large, but the circle was small. It didn't take long for the colleagues to know about it.

When Zhang Ye returned, he saw Tian Bin, who had some bandages on his hand, apparently injured.

The moment he saw Zhang Ye, Tian Bin first clenched his teeth in humiliation and anger, as if he wanted to bite him to pieces, but then he put on a smile, looking at him with a mocking expression. He had been drunk and not very clear-headed yesterday, so he had mocked Zhang Ye on Weibo, inciting his fans to curse him. Who would have thought that in the end, he and his fans would be utterly defeated by Zhang Ye alone. In a fit of rage, Tian Bin smashed an ashtray, which unfortunately cut his hand, and he had to get several stitches at the hospital. Tian Bin was so angry that he wanted to kill Zhang Ye, but when he came to the office at noon, he heard a surprising piece of news: Zhang Ye had offended the leadership. This was what he called 'evil begets evil.' His previously gloomy mood lifted.

"Teacher Zhang!" Xiao Fang rushed over, "They say you..."

Zhang Ye waved his hand, "Go about your business. I've finished recording the show, just organize it."

His good friend, Teacher Feng, also came over, pulling Zhang Ye to a corner and whispering, "Did you really offend the station leadership?"

Zhang Ye smiled bitterly, "Seems so."

Teacher Feng, genuinely concerned, scolded, "You really did it. If the station wanted the copyright, you should have sold it to them. At worst, you'd earn less money, but you still need to develop in this field. If you don't sell, are you prepared to resign?"

Zhang Ye said firmly, "Why should I resign? The copyright is mine. If the station wants to take my money, I won't sell it. I haven't done anything wrong."

Teacher Feng was speechless, "You still want to continue? Do you think you can continue?"

"Why not?" Zhang Ye countered, "I not only want to continue, but I want to do it well." He had this kind of temperament, not listening to anyone.

Teacher Feng shook his head and said nothing more.

Radio host was a position Zhang Ye had applied for after much consideration. He certainly wouldn't resign now, as he hadn't achieved the necessary results and credentials. The popularity of the late-night show? That achievement was far from enough. The late-night show had high cohesion, but the audience was too small. As for those poems? They could only help him gain some recognition on the periphery. He still needed to build his reputation and fame in the radio field. At least, he needed to win an award, which would be the foundation for his future success. Zhang Ye had high aspirations and wouldn't be confined to just the radio. However, he knew that you can't eat a fat man in one bite. He wanted to go to television, but they had to want him. Even if they did, he wouldn't become a host. The competition in television was dozens of times higher than in radio. There were many people in line. Why would they let him on? With his height? With his appearance? Nonsense! Even if he worked behind the scenes for a lifetime, it wouldn't be his turn. No matter how talented he was, it wouldn't make a difference. The cultural support from his world was also insignificant. To become a television host, it wasn't just about cultural literacy but a comprehensive set of skills and credentials. Therefore, the foundation in radio was very important to Zhang Ye. He had to achieve significant results here to continue climbing the ladder.

Suddenly, Zhao Guozhou entered the office area.

"Director Zhao."

"Chief Director."

Several people quickly greeted him, including Tian Bin.

Zhao Guozhou looked at Tian Bin, "How's your injury?"

Tian Bin hurriedly replied, "No problem, just a minor injury, a few stitches."

Zhao Guozhou nodded and glanced at Zhang Ye, who was sitting at his desk. He then clapped his hands to get everyone's attention, "Everyone, pause your work. I have two announcements to make." He looked at Tian Bin, "Xiao Tian, even though you're injured, I still need to give you a verbal reprimand. I've received your self-criticism, and your attitude is good. Considering your previous positive and hardworking attitude, this time, I will deduct one month's bonus from you. No more next time!"

Tian Bin promised, "It won't happen again."

"And Zhang Ye." Zhao Guozhou, who had already given Zhang Ye a punishment, changed his mind, "Zhang Ye's behavior was extremely恶劣. He used foul language, not only cursing his colleagues but also the listeners who have always supported us. This has caused irreparable damage to the station's image. The station leadership takes this very seriously and has decided to revoke Zhang Ye's position as the host of 'Midnight Ghost Stories' and reassign him to a substitute host. Tian Bin will take over the original position. I hope everyone takes this as a lesson and remembers that your every word and action represents the station's image!"

Many people had guessed, but many still didn't expect such a severe punishment for Zhang Ye!

Tian Bin was the happiest. He immediately said, "Thank you, leadership. I promise not to let the station down!"

Zhang Ye didn't expect the station to be so harsh, "Director Zhao, will 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' also be stopped?"

Zhao Guozhou calmly replied, "Why should it be stopped? You've already finished recording it. After 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' finishes, the next ghost story will be hosted by Tian Bin!"

Finished recording?

This was like killing the horse after it had done its work!

Zhang Ye was furious. For days, he had been working overtime, sometimes until two or three in the morning, with almost no rest. In the end, he got this result? Not giving him the proper copyright fee, revoking his position, and still using his program to boost the station's ratings? Killing someone is one thing, but this was too much! What could he say? He had no power or influence, and he couldn't say anything. He blamed himself for the foul language on Weibo, which gave others a handle. Zhang Ye had learned his lesson. If he encountered such a situation online again, he would... definitely continue to curse!

This was Zhang Ye!

No one could stop him from doing what he wanted!

"The announcements are over, that's it." Zhao Guozhou was about to leave.

At this moment, no one expected Wang Xiaomei to stand up, "Director, I saw the Weibo incident. Even if Teacher Zhang was in the wrong, it was provoked by Teacher Tian. If the punishment for Teacher Zhang is so severe, I think it should be fair and equal. Teacher Tian shouldn't be allowed to host the show either."

Zhang Ye was a newcomer with no credentials and only average performance, but Wang Xiaomei was different. She was the top host of the cultural frequency and even a pillar of the entire Beijing Radio Station. Her words carried weight!

Tian Bin's face turned red and then white, but he couldn't speak up.

Zhao Guozhou looked deeply at Wang Xiaomei, "Teacher Xiaomei, even if Xiao Tian has issues, he hasn't cursed anyone and has been mindful of the station's image."

Wang Xiaomei said, "But I think this punishment is unfair. If Teacher Tian can host the show, Teacher Zhang should also be given a chance to correct his mistakes."

Teacher Feng hesitated and then looked up, "My 'Old and Young Storytelling' is also about to be cut. I heard the station is arranging other programs to replace it, but there are still about ten more episodes to record. I started the retirement procedures last week. Continuing to host it isn't meaningful anymore. Why don't we let Teacher Zhang take over my program? I'm old and in poor health, and I don't have the energy to continue broadcasting."

Zhao Guozhou's eyebrows twitched, "Old Feng, you've been hosting this program for five years. Are you going to drop the ball in the last ten days?"

Teacher Feng sighed, "Let the young take over. I just want to retire peacefully."

After a few seconds of silence, Zhao Guozhou had no choice but to say, "Alright, since that's the case, starting tomorrow, Teacher Zhang will host 'Old and Young Storytelling.'"

The program only had a few days left, so it didn't matter much.

Tian Bin and many others thought the same and didn't pay much attention.

But Zhang Ye was different. At this moment, he felt a warm feeling in his heart, a sense of gratitude spreading through him. He hadn't expected anyone to help him at such a time. As soon as Zhao Guozhou left, Zhang Ye rushed to Wang Xiaomei's desk, "Teacher Wang, thank you."

Wang Xiaomei said indifferently, "You helped me out of a bind in your show last time. I'm just returning the favor."

"Thank you." After that, Zhang Ye went to Teacher Feng, "Teacher Feng, thank you. I don't know what to say."

Teacher Feng smiled, "Retiring now or in ten days, what's the difference to me? No need to thank me. And I didn't help you much. You are the best seed I've seen in the station. Don't think I'm always criticizing you. I actually like your stubbornness; it's just like me when I was young. I don't want to see you crushed. Starting tomorrow, my program will be yours. This program is my child. You have to take good care of it. Even if it only has a few more episodes before it stops, you must do it seriously. Can you promise me that?"

At that moment, Zhang Ye felt a heavy burden on his heart and said firmly, "I can promise!"

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