Chapter 74

At nine o'clock in the morning.

The grand theater was packed, with everyone seemingly in attendance.

At this moment, a window-style virtual text message popped up on the screen of the game ring on Zhang Ye's little finger — the countdown had ended, and the Lucky Bread had been used up!

Five minutes had passed?

It's over? Just like that?

Zhang Ye blinked in confusion, looking around, and then to the right. Why didn't anything happen? Increase my luck? Where did it increase? I can't see any difference at all! This was the first time Zhang Ye had used a special item from the game ring without any effect, and he was extremely frustrated. He had been counting on the "Lucky Bread" to give him a hand, as it was his last remaining lifeline. Who would have thought it wouldn't even make a sound? At the very least, let me find a wallet to show some effect!

What bad luck!

Now there's no chance at all!

Zhang Ye was at a loss, with the key moment failing him!

On the other side, the oldest editor of their cultural frequency, who had returned after Teacher Feng's retirement, came back. No one knew where he had been, as he hadn't been seen.

"Have you just arrived?" someone asked.

The old editor replied, "I've been here for a while, I went backstage to find a friend."

Zhou Dajie was excited, "Do you know anyone here? Has the award situation been announced?"

"It's been out for a while," the old editor said. "There seems to have been an issue afterward. I'll tell you, but don't tell anyone else. I heard that one of the trophies might have been broken."

Sun Auntie exclaimed, "Isn't it too late then?"

The old editor said, "The company that makes the trophies definitely has spares. They can quickly engrave the names and units, so it should be in time."

No one took this news to heart.

Zhou Dajie asked again, "Who won the Silver Microphone for our station?"

The old editor said helplessly, "Do you still think Xiao Zhang can create a miracle? It's impossible. The additional nominee won't win, there's never been a precedent, and there never will be."

Zhou Dajie rolled her eyes, "I know, I just wanted to ask if Zhang Ye won. They say there's always one Golden Microphone and one Silver Microphone for our station each year, but five years ago, there was an exception. Our station didn't win either nomination, and it went to a broadcaster from Beihexing Province. Zhang Ye has been bullied so much, I can't stand it anymore. I thought if Zhang Ye couldn't win, it would be better if Zhang Ye didn't win either, to vent some frustration. Look at how arrogant Zhang Ye and Jia Yan were just now, so annoying!"

The other colleagues also looked over.

The old editor smiled bitterly, "There aren't that many surprises. My friend told me he saw the award certificate yesterday. For our station, it's Zhang Ye's Silver Microphone."

"Is it already decided?" Zhou Dajie still hadn't given up.

"It was decided yesterday afternoon," the old editor said. "It's him, my friend saw it with his own eyes. The trophy has Zhang Ye's name on it, how could it be wrong?"

Zhou Dajie huffed.

With so many colleagues worrying about him, Zhang Ye felt quite warm-hearted. He hadn't encountered a good unit or a good leader, but he had met such a group of lovely colleagues. Zhang Ye felt very fortunate.

"Hey! That's Teacher Cheng! The Golden Microphone winner of the eighth session!"

"Oh, Teacher Zhou is also a guest this year? Even though she retired early, she was once the top host, who could compare?"

"That's Auntie Qu! My idol and goal! I grew up watching her shows!"

The main events were all in the back, with one heavyweight guest after another entering. Among them were the former top hosts and current stars of the broadcasting industry, leaders from the broadcasting and television administration, and judges from the jury. Their entry caused quite a stir. Most of the audience were either well-known figures from various sectors or invited through a lottery. The rest were mostly broadcasters and hosts from various TV and radio stations. Facing these venerable predecessors and idols, everyone was very excited. These were the directions they were striving for!

However, when the last person entered, the audience's excitement turned into a frenzy, with thunderous cheers echoing throughout the venue!

"Zhang Yuanqi!"

"Zhang Yuanqi!"

"Ah! I saw Auntie Yuanqi!"

"Sister Zhang! I love you forever!"

The staff of the TV and radio stations weren't too surprised, as they were all part of the same circle and wouldn't be so enthusiastic about chasing stars. Even if they did, it would be for the top figures in the broadcasting and hosting industry. Although Zhang Yuanqi was once an excellent host, she wasn't a professional in this field, so everyone remained relatively calm. But the other audience members couldn't contain themselves! Many people stood up, holding up signs and glow sticks, shouting Zhang Yuanqi's name! They didn't care about the Golden or Silver Microphones; they were there for the superstar!

Zhang Yuanqi entered from the side stage, originally planning to take her seat directly, but seeing the audience's enthusiastic response, she had to wave and smile at everyone.

"Ah! Sister Zhang smiled at me!"

"Are you kidding? Sister Zhang smiled at me!"

"Sister Zhang, you're so beautiful! I love you to death!"

"Sing a song, Sister Zhang! I want to hear 'I Don't Believe'!"

The scene was out of control, with fans trying to rush up for autographs and many reporters rushing to take photos!

The security guards, who had been maintaining order, quickly intervened, finally managing to control the situation, though they were quite exhausted!

Zhang Ye and his colleagues from the radio station were secretly amazed!

This is a superstar! This is one of the top figures in the entertainment industry today! The difference was obvious from the moment she entered! The number of fans was on a completely different level from other celebrity hosts! The combined number of fans of all the other celebrity hosts at the scene was far less than Zhang Yuanqi's!

Zhang Yuanqi sat in the front row, facing away from the audience, and the cheers gradually subsided.

"The superstar is indeed beautiful," the old editor praised.

Zhou Dajie agreed, "Yes, she looks better than in the movies."

Sun Auntie added, "I also like her performances and singing. Her voice is magnetic and mature, and no one in the current entertainment industry can match her!"

A young colleague from the cultural frequency sighed, "Yes, Sister Zhang is truly a panda in the entertainment industry. Other superstars can be replaced, but Zhang Yuanqi is irreplaceable, representing an era!"

Everyone had high praise.

Tian Bin and Zhang Ye in the front row also frequently glanced at Zhang Yuanqi.

Some people might not be fans of Zhang Yuanqi, and some might have controversies about her works, but no one could deny that wherever Zhang Yuanqi was, she was always the main attraction!

...

On stage.

A host went up, apparently from the Beijing TV news program, not particularly famous, but familiar to everyone.

"Welcome to the Golden Microphone Award Ceremony live-streamed by Beijing TV this year," he said, not introducing the guests and judges because it wasn't live yet, "There's still an hour and a half before the Golden Microphone awards, and according to tradition, it's now time for the Silver Microphone awards. First, I will announce the nominees for this year's Silver Microphone Award."

"Beijing TV — Chen Bin! Yan Qi!"

"Beihexing TV — Lu Mei! Hu Dongyan!"

"Tianjin TV — Chen Tao! Zhang Yang!"

...

"Beijing Radio — Zhang Ye, Zhang Ye!"

"Shanghai Radio — Sun Leilei! Li Bang!"

...

All the nominees were announced, and the host began to announce the first award, "Now, I announce the winner of this year's Silver Microphone TV Host Award — Yan Qi from Beijing TV!"

Everyone clapped in unison.

A female host seemed surprised, covering her mouth in shock before quickly going up to receive the award.

The presenter giving the award was Teacher Cheng, one of the five judges and a veteran in the broadcasting industry.

The host smiled, "Congratulations, Yan Qi. She is also my colleague. Little Qi, this is a grand occasion with so many seniors here. Do you have anything to say?"

Yan Qi took the award, "Thank you, only thank you, thank everyone for their help! Thank you for your recognition!"

Next.

And the next.

The ten TV host awards were quickly announced, with only a few having longer speeches. Then it was time for the radio broadcasting Silver Microphone awards, also ten people. But this time, the host changed, "Now, the Silver Microphone Radio Broadcasting Award. Please welcome my colleague from Beijing Radio, Zhang Huo, to announce the winners." He walked off the stage, smiling at Zhang Huo as he came up.

Zhang Huo, whom Zhang Ye was familiar with, had been one of the hosts at the Mid-Autumn Poetry Festival and was the Golden Microphone winner from their station two years ago. This award ceremony was hosted by Beijing TV, and although Zhang Huo wasn't particularly famous in the industry, he still had the qualifications.

Zhang Huo went up on stage, "Hello, everyone, I am Zhang Huo." In such a grand setting with so many seniors and leaders present, he was slightly nervous, as he was just a radio news host, with a much lower profile compared to hosts from other TV stations. "Thank you for the trust in letting me host the Silver Microphone Radio Broadcasting Award. Now, I will announce the first winner among the ten nominees."

He opened the certificate and read, "China National Radio — Gong Xu!"

Amid applause, Gong Xu excitedly went up on stage. Zhang Yuanqi, who had received the trophy from a staff member, was now ready to present it.

"Congratulations," Zhang Yuanqi said with a warm smile.

Gong Xu, flattered, accepted the award, "Thank you, Teacher Zhang, thank you to the jury. I will continue to work hard and not let this trophy down!"

Zhang Yuanqi smiled, "You have already done very well."

Zhang Huo smiled, "Let's give a round of applause to Teacher Gong."

The director and deputy director of Beijing Radio, sitting in the front row, also clapped for the winner.

Below, Zhang Huo announced another winner from China National Radio. Zhang Yuanqi didn't leave the stage, instead, she presented the trophy and congratulated the winner.

Below the stage.

Zhou Dajie was not in high spirits, "It's our turn now."

Wang Xiaomei looked at Zhang Ye uncertainly, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Zhang Ye pretended to be indifferent, but he was actually very anxious. This award was extremely important to him!

Sun Auntie patted Zhang Ye's shoulder, "We won't stoop to their level."

Suddenly, Zhang Huo's voice came again, "Now, the third Silver Microphone Award. The jury's decision is..." At this point, Zhang Huo suddenly froze, his words stuck in his throat. He looked at the certificate in his hand, then at the audience, his eyes full of questioning.

Deputy Director Jia frowned, "Read it."

"What's going on?" The director of Beijing Radio also looked stern. This was their event, and Zhang Huo was from their station. Even without a live broadcast, he couldn't make such a low-level mistake, which would embarrass their station. Was he distracted during the presentation?

"Huh?"

"Why isn't he speaking?"

"Who's next? Not reading it?"

Zhang Ye was already waiting to go up on stage, knowing it was his turn.

The jury members were also puzzled, wondering what he was doing, and gave Zhang Huo a stern look, signaling him to continue.

Zhang Huo took a deep breath, seeing the leaders and judges' expressions, and finally read, "The next Silver Microphone is from Beijing People's Radio... Zhang Ye!"

At first, no one noticed.

Zhang Ye, sitting in the front row, smiled and was about to go up.

Zhang Huo quickly waved him off, not letting him go on stage, and said to his colleague from the news frequency, "Not you, it's... Zhang Ye!"

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