Chapter 98

Liu Zaishi looked at Li Jingming's current state and exclaimed that he couldn't take it, "It's not like it's a matter of life and death, what kind of expression is that?"

"How can it not be a big deal? National MC Liu Zaishi openly cheats on the show. If everyone's curiosity is piqued, even the secret of you peeking at your deskmate's homework during dictation in elementary school will be dug up." Li Jingming's expression was completely serious, "To protect your reputation, let me bear all the blame. When the time comes, just say I begged and pleaded for you to write a song for me."

This kid really has a strong sense of entertainment, and Liu Zaishi was happy to play along, since there was nothing else to do: "Oh, wouldn't that be a loss for you? How can a big brother put such a heavy burden on your young shoulders?"

"Let the burden be even heavier." Li Jingming had the look of a protagonist in a drama who, no matter how many times he was on the brink of death, always had one more thing to say, "Stop talking, Class Leader. Look how determined my eyes are."

Liu Zaishi's nickname on "Infinite Challenge" is "Class Leader Liu" (not the Class Leader from Yang Village). This nickname has a longer history, evolving from "Tight Pants Class Leader Liu," a playful reference to Liu Zaishi's unique fashion sense of dressing formally on top and sensually on the bottom.

"Maybe you want to join our 'Infinite Challenge'? You're already calling me Class Leader." Liu Zaishi raised an eyebrow and asked with concern. If Li Jingming could join "Infinite Challenge," it would definitely be interesting. First, Li Jingming has a great sense of entertainment, a good image, and an open personality. With proper cultivation, the show would definitely reach new heights.

"Brother, don't say that. How can I have such thoughts? Here, have a glass of iced water to calm down. Just wait, and it will pass." Li Jingming was really afraid of "Infinite Challenge." He was fine with playing pranks on others, but not with being the target. Li Jingming naturally watched variety shows when he was bored, and "Infinite Challenge" was a popular and famous weekend show. He always laughed heartily while watching the members being pranked by the production team. However, now that Liu Zaishi suggested he become a regular on the show, especially such a notorious one, there was no way he would agree.

"Everyone else begs and even bribes to get in, and I didn't agree. Now that you have such a good opportunity, why don't you seize it?" Although Liu Zaishi is the main MC, his word carries a lot of weight. Most importantly, Li Jingming is currently a rising star. With a bit of manipulation, the "Infinite Challenge" production team would see the potential and agree.

"I can't seize it, Brother. Opportunities are for those who are prepared, and I'm not ready at all!" Li Jingming said, making an innocent expression.

Liu Zaishi may seem amiable, but he is very strict about work. Only by presenting something satisfactory can you pass his test. As for joining "Infinite Challenge" or becoming a regular on his show, it's not that simple. As an MC, Liu Zaishi only has the right to suggest, not decide. Even the PD's word isn't final; the ultimate decision lies with the broadcasting station, which pays the salaries and bears the responsibility. Why should they agree just because you say so? That would undermine their authority.

Liu Zaishi's confidence in getting Li Jingming to join "Infinite Challenge" mainly stems from Li Jingming's own qualities: First, Li Jingming has a great sense of entertainment and can handle various situations without becoming a "zero-distance audience." Second, his personality is good, and he gets along well with others. Third, his popularity can boost the show's ratings. Lastly, and most importantly, Li Jingming is a newcomer. Like a stock, his value is currently low. Signing a long-term contract with him now would be a good investment, as his future is promising. Liu Zaishi believed the broadcasting station would see the potential and agree.

The idea was good, but Li Jingming disagreed, leaving Liu Zaishi frustrated, "Things are different now. Variety show hosts have status too. Besides, how much better is the music industry compared to the variety show industry?"

In the past, the Korean entertainment industry had a strict hierarchy, not just in seniority but also in different professions. Actors were the most respected, followed by singers, with variety show hosts at the bottom. Many people in Korea looked down on gagmen. Liu Zaishi assumed Li Jingming, being from a wealthy family, shared this view. As a young master from a prominent family, it was natural for him to have such thoughts.

"Entertainers like us who bring laughter to the nation have a noble profession. There is no hierarchy in professions. Look at me now; I have social status and assets. As long as you do well, any path can lead to success. To sum it up: there are no weak professions, only weak players. No, only weak professionals." Liu Zaishi continued his ideological education, determined to persuade Li Jingming. Even a powerful figure like Sun Wukong feared the Tightening Headband, and for a moment, Li Jingming felt like he should just close his eyes, grit his teeth, and kick Liu Zaishi out.

Just as Li Jingming was in a dilemma and Liu Zaishi was talking non-stop, a staff member from "Music Center" came to save him, "Mr. Li Jingming, it's your turn to rehearse. Please head to the stage to prepare."

None of the waiting rooms had locks. The staff member knocked and entered directly, seeing Liu Zaishi sitting there, firing off words like a machine gun at Li Jingming. He quickly bowed and greeted Liu Zaishi, as he was a newcomer in the station and naturally respectful to such a "god."

"Brother, I'll think about it." Li Jingming breathed a sigh of relief and nodded to the staff member, "I'll go to the rehearsal now." In his heart, he was thinking: I will definitely think of a good excuse to decline.

Before Li Jingming left the waiting room, the news had already spread backstage: Liu Zaishi had a long talk with Li Jingming in his waiting room.

"Did you hear? Liu Zaishi went to Li Jingming's waiting room for a long talk."

"Is that the Li Jingming who is very good at socializing?"

"Yes, that's the one. He's a very capable newcomer. He personally delivered drinks to every staff member backstage, and did you see the last line on 'Music Bank' yesterday? That throw was worth a fortune."

"I also heard that Jin Jidong specially went to visit him during his performance yesterday."

"Liu Zaishi had a long talk with him today, treating him like a nephew. The intern Jiang went to the waiting room to call Li Jingming for rehearsal and saw it firsthand."

Not only the backstage staff, but also the agents and assistants of the singers were standing in the corridors, acting as the eyes and ears of their artists. Many "inside information" was passed on by these people. They were already reporting the news to their artists.

Liu Zaishi worked in the variety show industry, but "X-Man" was once a dynasty in the industry, launching many singers who are now senior figures in the music industry. Even if their popularity has waned, they still hold significant influence. Anyone Liu Zaishi favors would naturally gain the support of these "X-Man" seniors.

Human relationships are subtle. Some people can meet every day without developing a special bond, or even dislike each other. But some people can become friends at first sight. Li Jingming's demeanor, upbringing, and character were top-notch, making it easy for him to win others' favor. Liu Zaishi, with the intention of helping him, unknowingly became closer to him. By the end of the afternoon, Liu Zaishi had already started treating Li Jingming like a younger brother. The entertainment industry is tough, and many idols debut as children. Liu Zaishi, who had been through the early struggles, naturally took care of these young ones.

Li Jingming enjoyed special treatment, and his rehearsal and the evening's live broadcast went smoothly, partly due to Liu Zaishi's influence.

Li Jingming didn't win the top prize today, as it wasn't awarded, but his performance was flawless, and the audience was thoroughly entertained. Many people joined his fan base inspired by his acceptance speech yesterday. The seats for Lighters at today's "Music Center" were slightly more than yesterday's "Music Bank."

Li Jingming didn't plan to promote the song for long. He was very busy, and "Confession" was too simple to have too many variations, which could easily seem forced and disharmonious. Long-term promotion with the same method could also make the audience tired. Therefore, he only promoted the song this weekend, with one performance on each of the three major radio stations.

Sitting in the limousine, Li Jingming closed his eyes to rest. He was exhausted from Liu Zaishi's non-stop talking. He wondered how those who did shows regularly managed to keep going. They were called the most dedicated broadcasting people in South Korea for a reason. Just smiling through Liu Zaishi's nagging was already a feat. After a short while, his phone vibrated. He took it out and saw an unfamiliar number. A spam call?

"Hello, this is Kookguk Insurance. Press 1 for business inquiries, press 2 for account and password inquiries, press 3 for customer service..."

"No reason. I clearly checked the number on my sister's phone. How could I dial the wrong number? Did she already know and save a fake number? She's getting smarter."

The voice on the other end sounded familiar to Li Jingming.

PS: I ate late, and I wish all lovers a happy ending.

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