Chapter 65

The next day.

It was probably just starting to get light.

Zhang Ye, still half-asleep, heard the annoying ring of the phone. He opened his eyes, reached out to grab it, and put it to his ear, "Hello, who is this?"

"Is this Teacher Zhang Ye?" It was the voice of a middle-aged man.

Zhang Ye hadn't heard this voice before and asked with his eyes still closed, "Yes, who is this?"

The middle-aged man laughed and said, "Teacher Zhang, are you still sleeping? Should I call back later? I don't want to disturb your rest."

"No problem, who is this?" Zhang Ye asked.

The middle-aged man said, "My name is Hu Fei. We've interacted on Weibo before. Do you remember?"

Hu Fei? Who is he? Wait a minute! Weibo interaction? Is this Hu Fei, the famous program producer from CCTV? Zhang Ye immediately woke up, opened his eyes, and sat up in bed. Of course, he knew this name. First, Hu Fei was quite well-known in the industry, and second, he was the first major Weibo influencer to publicly praise Zhang Ye when "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was released. Zhang Ye remembered clearly that after he wrote his poems, Hu Fei also strongly supported him on Weibo, writing a long post praising him.

"Hello, Teacher Hu," Zhang Ye quickly said, "How did you get my phone number?"

Hu Fei said, "It took me quite a bit of effort to find your number. I finally got it through someone at Beijing TV. Their system can look up the phone numbers of radio hosts." Beijing TV and Beijing Radio had long been merged, with a shared system. "You might not know, but I've already left CCTV. My Weibo verification has been changed to 'former CCTV program producer.' I can also reveal to you that in a while, I will be working at Beijing TV, still in program production."

Left?

Moved to Beijing TV?

Zhang Ye didn't understand, "Uh, you called me to..."

Hu Fei chuckled, "After you talked about 'Ghost Blows Out the Light,' a colleague recommended you to me, and I started paying attention to you. I've read all your modern poems, and they are excellent, beyond words. Of course, the reason I decided to call you is because of your 'Water Melody Ode.' I didn't expect your classical poetry skills to be so outstanding. That poem really gave me goosebumps, so I came to find you. Although my program is not yet finalized, and I'm still in discussions with Beijing TV, I want to invite you in advance. How about it, Teacher Zhang? Are you interested in developing at the TV station?"

Zhang Ye was stunned by this surprise, "Me?"

"Yes, I'm new here and need my own team. If someone as talented as you joins, it would be my honor," Hu Fei said politely.

Zhang Ye asked uncertainly, "I want to ask, will I be in front of the camera or behind the scenes?"

"I was attracted by your work in front of the camera, so I want you to be in front of the camera," Hu Fei said.

"But my appearance might not be that good. I don't know if you've seen my looks," Zhang Ye was afraid of a last-minute change of heart, so he said it upfront.

Hu Fei laughed when he heard this, "I've seen your photo in the Beijing TV system. Your appearance isn't the best, but it's not bad. Your features are regular. Or maybe you don't know the type of program I'm planning. I can reveal it to you. It will likely be a knowledge and culture program, so the appearance requirements for hosts and guests are not very high. If you come, I can arrange for you to be the host or a regular guest. This still needs to be discussed, of course, once the program is finalized."

Zhang Ye took a few deep breaths, "This..."

"How about it?" Hu Fei invited again, "Are you interested in helping me? Being a TV host or guest is definitely a challenge for you, but if you want to go far, this is a necessary path. It's better than developing at the radio station. Think about it."

Zhang Ye immediately said, "No need to think, Teacher Hu, I'll come!"

Hu Fei nodded, "Good, but I have a small request. After all, your experience is still limited. You've only been in the industry for a little over a month, and I hope you can understand."

Zhang Ye said, "You can go ahead and mention it."

Hu Fei explained, "The Silver Microphone Award is about to enter the nomination review stage. I hope you can win this award to make your resume look better. This will also reduce the pressure on my side. Although I was recruited to produce the program, many decisions are still made by the higher-ups. It's not a matter of doubting your ability, but a matter of experience. Without official recognition, no TV station would take a new graduate with no TV hosting experience. I need some tangible achievements to convince them. I believe you understand this."

Zhang Ye understood, "I get it."

Hu Fei said, "This award shouldn't be a problem for you. Your ratings are there. If your ratings improve further and you get a recommendation from the radio station, it won't be difficult. Once you win the Silver Microphone Award, I will immediately recommend you for the host or regular guest position when the program is approved and reviewed."

Zhang Ye said, "Thank you for your trust, Teacher Hu."

"It's your work that moved me. If we can work together, I believe the program will have a good rating. I might even have to thank you then, hehe," Hu Fei had none of the arrogance of a famous program producer and spoke very tactfully.

The call ended.

Zhang Ye threw his phone on the bed, rubbed his head, and patted his face. It felt like a dream! Too good! The TV station invited me! All the hard work these past few days hasn't been in vain! Finally, I've achieved something and gained attention in the industry! He immediately wanted to call his father to report this good news. The radio station was just a stepping stone; the TV station was a more satisfying stage for Zhang Ye. How could he not be excited? But just as he dialed the number, he thought better of it and hung up. It was too early!

They had only extended an olive branch, and it wasn't finalized yet!

There was still a condition to meet—the Silver Microphone Award!

From Hu Fei's words, it was clear that if Zhang Ye didn't win this award, they wouldn't accept him. A new graduate with no awards or TV experience, which TV station would dare to put him directly in front of the camera as a regular guest and host? Hu Fei valued him, but he couldn't make all the decisions. It all depended on Zhang Ye's own efforts!

He had to win it!

Zhang Ye had a determined mindset. No matter what unexpected situations arose, he couldn't lose the Silver Microphone Award!