Wang Xiong looked at him, “Why don’t you change it to something else?”
“I insist on this program.” Zhang Ye was determined, “Maybe you don’t feel what I feel because you have never seen a talk show’s style and audience, therefore you cannot accept it. But that’s okay; I can try it for a few episodes. Let’s see how the program works out. If it really can’t be accepted and the audience does not approve of it, you can axe the program.”
Wang Xiong frowned, “You are so confident?”
“Yes,” Zhang Ye replied calmly, “I’ve never felt this confident before!”
Wang Xiong had seen many hosts or program producers having their proposals rejected before. The programs that they came up with were definitely what they liked best and felt would become popular. Every time Wang Xiong rejected them, they would most definitely argue with reasoning, their emotions in an upheaval. They would keep telling Wang Xiong why and what’s good about their program, speaking agitatedly and anxiously. That showed that they were in denial, but Zhang Ye’s reaction made Wang Xiong look at him another time. Because he was not agitated, but instead rather calm. He only simply told Wang Xiong — His program would definitely make it.
Slapping his palm on the proposal, Wang Xiong said softly, “What about this? You are not a rookie in terms of program and advertising planning, and you have produced some dazzling results. This was why the company dared to let you develop your own program. If you are indignant about it, I can submit the proposal to the higher-ups. You can return and wait for the news.”
“Alright. Thank you, Director Wang.” Zhang Ye did not say anything more before opening the door and leaving.
The moment that he left, Wang Xiong brought the document to his superiors. The WebTV department’s core was its web programs. It was the most important aspect of their department, so for such a new program’s decision and approval, he and a few Leaders were personally responsible for it.
……
Outside.
Zhang Ye did not return to his office immediately and instead went to the bathroom. After rinsing his mouth and washing his face, he looked at his reflection in the mirror. His heart felt somewhat tangled in knots.
What if they did not approve it?
What if they believed that a talk show would not make it?
Few people had the guts to do a completely new program as they would think that if such a program could become popular, why would other television stations not think of it? Their ideologies were very conservative, so they were instinctively reluctant about new things. The more they worked, the more conservative they became. However, in this world, only Zhang Ye himself knew that the artistic format known as talk shows would definitely become popular, and it would be so popular that it would sweep both foreign and domestic markets. Some people would not even be able to sleep if they did not watch a talk show on a weekend night!
But how could he tell them that?
How could he tell them that he was from another world, and in that world of his, talk shows were extremely popular? That this art form had already been affirmed by the market?
Who would believe that!?
And he could not say it either!
Ten minutes later, Zhang Ye returned to the office from the bathroom.
Ah Qian came towards him and said, “Teacher Zhang, I was just looking for you. Just now the Director’s secretary told me to inform you that you should go up to her office. Maybe it’s about your program proposal.”
“Alright.” Zhang Ye went over.
Outside the door, he knocked.
Feng Guiqin’s voice called out from inside, “Come in.”
Zhang Ye pushed the door open and saw five people on the guest sofa. They were huddled around a table, looking at Zhang Ye’s proposal. There was Feng Guiqin, the Head Director, Wang Xiong and some others that Zhang Ye did not know. They were likely Departmental Leaders.
“Little Zhang, take a seat.” Feng Guiqin pointed to a small couch by the side. She then whipped out the document, “Is this your new program?”
Zhang Ye sat still, “Yes.”
Feng Guiqin observed the people by her sides, “What do you guys think?”
A middle-aged man said, “Honestly, I’m quite disappointed. I can’t see any core selling points or attractive power for this so-called talk show. We paid a high salary to invite Zhang Ye here, mainly because of his program planning ability and eloquence. However, this proposal is too pointless. I don’t see a need to develop it.”
Wang Xiong instead helped speak up for Zhang Ye, “Old Gu, it’s not as bad as you said. It’s just not that spectacular.”
Old Gu said, “But it is too far from what I was anticipating. Look at ‘Lecture Room’; that was one of the best history lecturing programs I have ever seen.”
Another male in his thirties nudged his glasses and threw down the proposal in his hands, “The higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment. I am also not optimistic about this talk show.