Chapter 18

Perhaps because of Chen Zuming's influence, or perhaps because of Wang Zixuan's easygoing and warm hospitality, by 14:50, all the stars were ready.

The more straightforward ones walked out directly, while the more reserved ones came out after the staff knocked on the door. No one was putting on airs.

At 14:55, Wang Zixuan and the stars walked from the room behind the stage into the already prepared press conference hall. The hall was already filled with journalists, cameras, and microphones everywhere.

"Click"

"Click"

The staff opened the door, and Wang Zixuan, dressed in a white suit, appeared, immediately drawing a flurry of photos.

The blinding white light was continuous, and Wang Zixuan squinted slightly to adjust to the strong light. He maintained a charming smile and walked up to the stage.

The stage was set up simply, with a large LED screen displaying "Evolution Media China's Got Talent Launch Ceremony" on a red background.

On both sides of the stage, chairs were placed.

Hua Shao, who had arrived earlier, guided everyone to their seats.

On the left were Wang Zixuan, Fang Zuming, Roman Tam, Jacky Cheung, Han Hong, Andy Yu, Sun Nan, and Yang Kun, the celebrity judges for the preliminary selection, who sat on the right.

After everyone was seated, they chatted briefly.

Hua Shao then announced the launch of "China's Got Talent" and invited Evolution Media's CEO, Wang Zixuan, to give a speech.

Wang Zixuan stood up with a smile, took the microphone from a staff member, walked to the center, and looked at the journalists below for two seconds before saying, "Firstly, I would like to thank all the media friends for coming. I hope you will report extensively on 'China's Got Talent' to help reduce my losses."

"Ha ha"

The journalists naturally knew Wang Zixuan was joking and chuckled.

With a viewership of less than 2% for the first three episodes, everyone knew about Wang Zixuan's "confidence."

Wang Zixuan smiled and said, "Now, everyone seems to think I will definitely incur losses. In fact, I believe 'China's Got Talent' can make money, and even a lot of money. Because 'China's Got Talent' has a new format, the best mentors, the best team, and the largest investment. I believe 'China's Got Talent' will certainly create new heights in talent shows and let everyone hear true heavenly voices. Thank you!"

Under another round of continuous flash photography, Wang Zixuan bowed slightly and returned to his seat.

"Thank you, thank you, Mr. Wang Zixuan. From his brief speech, we can hear his confidence in 'China's Got Talent.' Evolution Media is a new company, and Mr. Wang once asked, 'We are all newbies, so why can we stand out in this industry and even become leaders?' The answer is just two words: sincerity."

Are you just a spendthrift?

Almost all the journalists in the audience thought of another answer, and many even smiled.

Hua Shao smiled and said, "At this press conference, we are also showing sincerity. Next is the media Q&A session. Mr. Wang, Mr. Chen, the four mentors, and the celebrity judges for the preliminary selection will take turns answering your questions. Those with questions can raise their hands. We'll start with Mr. Wang."

Wang Zixuan held the microphone and smiled, "I'll answer three questions!"

Before he finished speaking, all the journalists below had raised their hands.

Wang Zixuan pointed to a male journalist in the front row and smiled, "Does this journalist have any questions?"

The journalist, suppressing his excitement, said, "Hello, Mr. Wang, I am a reporter from the Beijing Daily. May I ask what your budget for 'China's Got Talent' is?"

Wang Zixuan shook his head and said, "There is no budget. We will use the greatest sincerity to produce this show, striving for perfection in every aspect."

The journalist clearly was not satisfied. Without a number, there would be no sensational news. He followed up, "Can Mr. Wang estimate the cost of 'China's Got Talent'?"

"It might exceed 200 million."

Wang Zixuan gave an answer and said, "Thank you for your question."

Then, he pointed to a female journalist who had been raising her hand high in the back and said, "Does the lady in the red dress have any questions?"

"Hello, Mr. Wang. May I ask what you expect the viewership of 'China's Got Talent' to be?"

This was clearly a new journalist, and her excitement was evident. She forgot to introduce herself and started asking questions.

Introducing oneself is a sign of respect for the person being questioned and a way to promote one's own media. After all, there were multiple new media outlets live-streaming the event.

After the launch ceremony was announced, multiple media outlets, including Sohu and Sina, requested to live-stream the event, ideally as the exclusive broadcaster, because 'China's Got Talent' had recently become very popular.

Wang Zixuan alone had over a million online fans, and which media outlet wouldn't want to turn these netizens into their own users?

Sohu and other media outlets were even willing to pay for the exclusive live-streaming rights of the launch ceremony.

Unfortunately, Wang Zixuan didn't care about the money and had Chen Zuming reject all the offers, allowing all willing media outlets to live-stream the event.

After all, each media outlet had its own audience, and more live-streaming would undoubtedly bring more attention to 'China's Got Talent.'

Wang Zixuan maintained his charming smile and said, "If I say too high, everyone might think I'm naive."

The journalists below were somewhat disappointed when they heard this. The higher Wang Zixuan's expectations, the more intense their comments could be.

However, Wang Zixuan's next words made the journalists overjoyed.

"Let's be conservative. I think an average viewership of over 3% is achievable."

It's not that you can't talk big, it's that you have to dare to talk big!

If an ordinary person talks big, it's not newsworthy. But when someone of Wang Zixuan's status talks big, it becomes everyone's laughingstock.

If Wang Zixuan dares to say 10%, everyone would be even happier.

Why?

Because everyone hates the rich!

You are handsome and rich, but you have a low IQ.

Every day, you waste money and act irresponsibly.

If Wang Zixuan became a fool, everyone would be even happier.

Let you be rich, let you be handsome, but now you're a fool.

Wang Zixuan saw the excited faces of the journalists below and guessed what they were thinking.

This year, the average viewership of "Happy Girl" was just over 2%, and it was broadcast during the summer season with years of brand recognition.

"China's Got Talent" is a new show, and its broadcast time slot is not as good as "Happy Girl," yet he dared to say 3%.

Without a doubt, these smiling journalists would immediately start mocking him mercilessly as soon as they left the hall.

There would be all kinds of sarcastic and harsh comments.

This is the face of journalists, well, their job.

However, Wang Zixuan wasn't just talking off the cuff. He remembered that the first season of "The Voice" in 2012 quickly broke the 4% mark and maintained it.

Although the broadcasting restrictions in 2012 were looser, and "The Voice" aired at 9:30 PM, attracting more viewers than at 10:30 PM, he believed that in this life, "The Voice" would surpass the previous one in terms of promotion, mentor lineup, investment, and format.

Saying it would exceed 4% was already modest.

As for the current mockery, when the truth comes to light, the ratings will give everyone a resounding slap in the face.

He just needed to remember the few who mocked him the most.

(Additional chapter for the first disciple "Smart and Smart")

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