Chapter 97

The previous day's "Music Bank" ratings were quite good, with an average rating of 8.1 percent and a peak rating of 9.4 percent when Lee Jeong-min won the top spot. This made the other two TV stations also look forward to Lee Jeong-min's performance, as only by boosting the ratings could they attract more generous advertisers.

Lee Jeong-min's acceptance speech was quite unique. Other singers would always shed tears when they won their first top spot, and some veteran singers who had been in the industry for years would still cry when they finally won. Lee Jeong-min's sunny smile and his unconventional "well-deserved top spot" not only won him the top spot but also gained him popularity and a good reputation. His gesture of throwing flowers was described as offering flowers to the audience and his fans. Many newspapers and websites used words like "magnificent," "bright," and "commanding presence" when reporting on his win at "Music Bank" the previous day. Lee Jeong-min didn't know if there was any manipulation behind these reports, but he assumed that the unanimous praise was the result of the efforts of his family and LAD Entertainment.

On Saturday, the music show was MBC's "Music Core," which did not have a top spot award. The atmosphere was more harmonious and relaxed compared to the other two music shows, but Lee Jeong-min did not relax his standards just because there was no ranking. He was not that kind of person and arrived early at the TV station to prepare. Actually, he had come after lunch, but he still felt it was early. There was no reason to come in the morning if he was only participating in the show at 4 PM; that would deprive him of a good night's sleep.

In the separate waiting room, Lee Jeong-min sat idly playing with his phone, which was not the one he used in Korea but the newly released "iPhone." He was browsing content on iTunes, as he was responsible for the project and couldn't completely ignore it. It was just after lunchtime, and some of the bigger stars hadn't arrived yet. Those who had arrived, Lee Jeong-min had already greeted. He had given out albums the previous day, so there was no need to give them again. With the rapport established from the previous day, today's interactions were all friendly and harmonious.

The phone Lee Jeong-min used in his previous life until 2030 was completely different from the one he had now. As he was reminiscing about how nostalgic this phone was, he heard a knock on the door. After responding, he saw Liu Zaishi walk in. The assistants around Lee Jeong-min were all temporary, but he trusted them completely. They were all under Lee Seung-min's command and had been loyal since they were young, having been raised by the Lee family. On the other hand, Park Da-na, who had been confirmed as the "chief makeup assistant," was an outsider. If others found out that Lee Jeong-min had a chief makeup assistant, they might spread rumors about him being someone's son.

"Brother Zaishi, how could you trouble yourself to come and see me? It makes me feel bad," Lee Jeong-min said, not joking. Liu Zaishi was a senior figure in the entertainment industry, and for him to specially visit a newcomer like Lee Jeong-min could make others think that Lee Jeong-min was using his family background to pressure Liu Zaishi.

Liu Zaishi realized that his visit might seem inappropriate after hearing Lee Jeong-min's words. He had come for a reason, but now he felt he had been too hasty. "If Ji-dong can come, why can't I?" Kim Ji-dong looked older but was actually the youngest of the "three mountains of variety shows," born in 1974. Liu Zaishi called him "Ji-dong."

"Ji-dong-ssi was just passing by. Are you passing by too?" Lee Jeong-min repeated what Kim Ji-dong had said to Liu Zaishi. Kim Ji-dong's insistence that he was just passing by was not just a casual remark but a strategic consideration.

"I have something to talk to you about, something important," Liu Zaishi said, switching to a more professional demeanor. He was usually very meticulous, but today he had made a small mistake due to his preoccupation.

Lee Jeong-min was skeptical. With Liu Zaishi's status as a national MC and his extensive network in the industry, how could there be something that required his help? Many established top artists would jump at the chance to work with Liu Zaishi, willing to do anything for him. It was hard to imagine that a newcomer like himself would be needed.

Not understanding, Lee Jeong-min asked directly, "Brother, if you have something to say, just say it. Why the serious face?"

Liu Zaishi looked conflicted, "It's a bit hard to say."

"Then don't say it," Lee Jeong-min quickly interrupted, thinking that if it was hard to say, it must be something he didn't want to do.

"Ah, you really are..." Liu Zaishi laughed, recognizing Lee Jeong-min's potential as a variety show talent. "Alright, I'll be straightforward. I need your help to cheat."

"Cheating? Who would dare not let you pass in the TV station's evaluation?" Although the three major stations had evaluations, no one would dare fail someone like Liu Zaishi, even if he submitted a blank paper.

"Infinite Challenge" was a pioneer in Korean outdoor variety shows, despite its ups and downs and two major overhauls. Under the efforts of Liu Zaishi and other excellent broadcasters, it became one of the most beloved weekend variety shows. Saturday was the regular broadcast day for "Infinite Challenge," and as the main MC and a seasoned variety show veteran, Liu Zaishi often participated in editing. He had been involved in editing work all morning, but in the afternoon, PD Kim Tae-ho called him to discuss the show's content. "Infinite Challenge" was known for its many special episodes, and Liu Zaishi and the others had been working tirelessly since they took on the show. However, the support of the public was what mattered most, and they always faced challenges with a smile. When called to discuss, Liu Zaishi knew another special episode was coming.

"Let's do the Han River Song Festival," PD Kim Tae-ho said to Liu Zaishi. The Han River Song Festival was a traditional event hosted by MBC, but it had not been held since the new millennium. Now, the "Infinite Challenge" production team wanted to revive it.

"Let's do it," Liu Zaishi said, as he thrived in large crowds and had no pressure about performing at a song festival.

"Many great songs have been born at song festivals. We want to create a song for 'Infinite Challenge' at our own Han River Song Festival," PD Kim Tae-ho revealed his ultimate goal.

"What do you mean, make us create our own songs? Do you know how expensive songs are these days? Is the production team going to pay for them, or are you going to make us beg for songs again? My friends already avoid me, seeing me as a nuisance who always asks for favors," Liu Zaishi complained, bombarding PD Kim Tae-ho with his grievances.

"We understand your situation, so we won't make you pay for songs," PD Kim Tae-ho responded calmly.

Liu Zaishi was somewhat satisfied, "That's more like it."

"We've decided that you will write the songs yourselves," PD Kim Tae-ho said, revealing their "solution."

"I'll see if any friends are willing to write songs. After all, it's a top weekend variety show, and it would be good publicity for them," Liu Zaishi's attitude changed completely, now actively seeking out friends to write songs.

"That wouldn't be meaningful. 'Infinite Challenge' is about you facing challenges. How can we let others help?" PD Kim Tae-ho insisted on them writing their own songs, believing that even if the songs weren't great, the challenge itself would be a draw and ensure high ratings.

"Ah, that's easy for you to say. When it airs, it will be embarrassing for us, not you. I can only write children's songs, children's songs!" Liu Zaishi complained, feeling that the production team always came up with schemes to make the MCs suffer. In his mind, all variety show PDs must have been fallen angels in their past lives, which was why they now enjoyed tormenting others.

"There are a few bad guys, living together, PD Kim, Writer Kim, VJ Lee..." Liu Zaishi immediately changed the lyrics of "The Three Bears" to include members of the "Infinite Challenge" production team, expressing his dissatisfaction.

"Children's songs are fine," PD Kim Tae-ho said with a particularly lecherous smile. If Liu Zaishi wrote a children's song for the Han River Song Festival, the audience would not allow the ratings to drop.

"No, all shows have the opportunity for external help. Can't we get some help too?" Liu Zaishi began to bargain, wanting to preserve his dignity by seeking professional help.

"The Han River Song Festival special will be filmed next month, so you have plenty of time to prepare. However, we're only informing you now, and you'll be responsible for contacting the others," PD Kim Tae-ho explained, fearing that everyone would complain to him, so he let Liu Zaishi deliver the "great news."

"Ah, that's not bad," Liu Zaishi smiled, thinking that if he suffered, making others suffer more would make him feel better. He decided to tell the others the sad news the day before the filming, letting them enjoy a few more carefree days. At that moment, Liu Zaishi felt a great admiration for his own greatness.

Liu Zaishi knew that he couldn't write a good song, even in a year, not just a month. He was a bit of a perfectionist, wanting to do everything to the best of his ability. Singing a children's song, especially one he wrote himself, in front of the entire nation would ruin his career. After much thought, he decided that cheating was the only way. His first choice was Kim C, whose style he liked, but Kim C was in the United States and had asked him to take care of Lee Jeong-min. So, Liu Zaishi came to Lee Jeong-min, planning to "take care" of him. Although it was cheating, Liu Zaishi didn't expect Lee Jeong-min to write a song and claim it as his own. They could just get through the show with a bit of fun. Lee Jeong-min was currently promoting his song, and appearing on a weekend variety show would be beneficial. Liu Zaishi didn't expect Lee Jeong-min to write a song as good as "Confession," just something decent.

After understanding the situation, Lee Jeong-min looked at Liu Zaishi's expectant face and wished Xu Zhuxian were there to refuse him firmly and logically. However, he knew Liu Zaishi's good intentions and genuine care. Appearing on a weekend variety show was a significant opportunity, and Liu Zaishi's direct approach was a big help. Although he was busy with a movie, he could fly back for the show. "Alright, Brother's matter is my matter. I'll do my best."