Chapter 45

In the SBS TV studio, after just finishing a shoot, Liu Zaishi was now discussing some matters with the writers beside him. However, at this moment, Liu Zaitian, who had already returned home, timed his call perfectly and dialed it through.

"What!"

Alright, another exclamation, but this time it was Mr. Liu Zaishi's turn.

In an instant, all the people around him focused their attention on this 'shocked' variety show star.

"Sorry, sorry!" Liu Zaishi hurriedly bowed in apology. His expression was still somewhat tense as he quickly walked to a corner and continued to ask in a flustered manner, "Zaitian, what did you say just now? Repeat it for me."

On the other end, Liu Zaitian, hearing Liu Zaishi's completely trembling voice, smiled lightly. However, he continued, "Luo Jing'en asked me to inform you that tomorrow at 11 AM, at the café next to MBC TV station, in the same place where we sat last time, she hopes you can go and chat with her."

His casual tone made it sound like he was talking about something very ordinary, but it made Liu Zaishi's heart beat faster.

This was a situation he had never imagined, very sudden, leaving him with a mind full of chaotic thoughts. But it was definitely a pleasant surprise, instantly filling his chest.

Liu Zaishi didn't know how Liu Zaitian managed to do it, and he didn't want to know the details. He only knew that because he had a crush on someone, he had chatted with his younger brother Liu Zaitian, and without him realizing it, his younger brother had created an opportunity for him.

"Brother, I've already set up this meeting for you. What happens next is up to you. But I hope you can bring my future sister-in-law home soon, after all, you're not young anymore." Still in a casual tone, but for Liu Zaishi, who was listening, it was slowly touching.

After the call ended, Liu Zaishi remained in the corner, quietly looking at the phone screen that had gradually dimmed.

"This kid, he really has grown up!..."

...

In the blink of an eye, it was already the end of the year 2005.

During this period, the recording and broadcasting of "Infinite Challenge" continued. After the "Fighting King Special," "Rural Experience Special," and "Outing Special," the variety show, which occupied the Saturday afternoon time slot, finally stabilized its ratings above 15%.

Especially during the last episode, "Hope You Kiss Soon (Part 2)," the ratings reached 18.4%, just a step away from the 20% mark.

It was also at this time, with the end of 2005 approaching, that the annual MBC Entertainment Awards finally began.

This year, among MBC's weekend variety shows, "Infinite Challenge" was a standout program.

From a 5% to 6% rating at the start, it grew to a hot program about to break the 20% rating barrier. The seven hosts and the chief PD of "Infinite Challenge" were undoubtedly the main contributors to this success.

Thus, at this award ceremony, "Infinite Challenge" swept four awards: the Excellence Award, the Best Newcomer Award, the Best PD Award, and the Grand Prize.

Among them, the Excellence Award went to Park Myung-soo, the Best Newcomer Award went to the new MC Liu Zaitian, who owned the copyright to "Infinite Challenge" and joined it, reflecting MBC's growing emphasis on the show's improving ratings. The Best PD Award naturally went to Kim Tae-ho, and the Grand Prize went to Liu Zaishi, who was now widely recognized as the National MC.

That night, after the award ceremony, the group gathered at a restaurant. This had become a tradition; after each gathering or shoot, they would always eat together, drink a little, and share their thoughts. In this way, their bonds deepened.

...

The next day, because PD Kim Tae-ho had notified them that there would be a shoot in the morning, Liu Zaitian got up early.

After breakfast, he went out and first pressed the doorbell of the neighboring house. This was a routine task; if Liu Zaishi wasn't awake, he would wake up with the doorbell. If he was already awake, he would know it was time to leave.

After that, Liu Zaitian didn't need to worry about the situation and went downstairs directly.

"Brother Xing!"

Downstairs, Liu Xing, Liu Zaitian's agent, was already waiting in the minivan at the entrance.

"By the way, Brother Xing, did PD Tae-ho say where today's shoot location is?" After getting in the car, Liu Zaitian asked Liu Xing, who was already in the driver's seat.

Instead of answering, Liu Xing handed a plastic basket on the passenger seat to Liu Zaitian. After several months of working together, Liu Xing had a good understanding of Liu Zaitian. He found Liu Zaitian to be serious about work but very easy to get along with in life.

So, his attitude towards his job as an agent had changed from initial worry to current enjoyment.

"What is this?" Liu Zaitian took the basket curiously, "Isn't this the basket used to carry towels, shampoo, and other things when going to the bathhouse?"

"Yes, this is what PD Tae-ho asked me to prepare last night. Also, Zaitian, under your seat, there are some new toiletries I just bought, still unopened. Take a look and pack what you need."

Looking at the car, Liu Xing slowly answered Liu Zaitian's question.

"Toiletries?"

Bending down, Liu Zaitian rummaged under his seat and found a bunch of things: towels, soap, shower gel, shampoo, and more, a messy pile. "Brother Xing, did PD Tae-ho tell you where the destination is?" Seeing these items, Liu Zaitian suddenly had a hunch.

"Seems like the entrance of a big bathhouse."

Bath~~~house~~~!

Oh~~~my~~~God~~~!!!

...

"Hello, dear viewers!"

In front of a bathhouse, the seven members of "Infinite Challenge" bowed in unison as Liu Zaishi greeted them, "Infinite!"

"Challenge~~~!"

OK, after shouting the slogan and posing, the group directly bowed to the camera. Since they had been informed that this shoot was for New Year's, even though it was recorded about a month in advance, the necessary etiquette still had to be observed.

However, after the bow, facing the MCs around him who all held the same bathhouse tools, Liu Zaitian asked PD Kim Tae-ho, "PD Tae-ho, why did you gather us here?"

"To scrub!" Completely straightforward, with no change in tone.

...!...!...!

"You mean to scrub?" The group was completely shocked by PD Kim Tae-ho's words, and Liu Zaishi quickly asked seriously.

"Yes, to scrub!" PD Kim Tae-ho nodded seriously.

Speechless and laughing, "Scrub, can't we just do it at home! Why on TV!" Even Liu Zaitian, who had already anticipated this situation on the way, was speechless.

"I've never scrubbed before!"

"I haven't been to a bathhouse in years!"

"Also, why do you want the audience to see me scrub? This is an invasion of privacy, you know!"...

A series of complaints, but facing this situation, PD Kim Tae-ho remained calm.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! If the director says to scrub, you just go in and scrub. No more nonsense!" Alright, this guy showed a complete disregard for the situation and directly scolded the younger members who were expressing their resistance.

Indeed, after being trained in the selfishness of "Infinite Challenge," even in this matter, the group could no longer reach a consensus.