Chapter 45: The Second Half of the Grand Finals

“Ah, so your wife already told you about the plan to announce the rankings at the very end!”

Yang Bing was caught off guard by the sudden display of affection from Yu Zhile, but he nodded and said, “I asked you out today because I wanted your opinion. I think it’s quite interesting how Ni Qiqin interacts with the singers, and then announces the rankings in such a drawn-out, dramatic way. Throughout it, the singers are all nervous, some are freaking out, some are laughing.

Even though it’s a music show, I feel like pure music programs don’t have much appeal anymore. Most viewers come for their favorite singers, but once the singing’s over, they lose interest.

But if we add in these kinds of interactive segments and funny, over-the-top ranking announcements, then the program takes on a bit of a reality show flavor. That would make it much more entertaining!”

Yu Zhile nodded and said, “It really is a novel and interesting segment. But after the show airs, I suspect other new music programs might start copying it!”

Yang Bing pondered, “I’ve thought about that too, but with New Year’s around the corner, there probably won’t be any new variety shows coming out this year. That’s why I’m planning to propose that the station should start the next season of ‘I Am a Star Singer’ right after the holiday.”

Yu Zhile suggested, “If you’re planning a total overhaul, I’d recommend changing the show’s name entirely. Call it ‘I Am a Singer’—present it to the audience with a completely fresh look. Then, invite some genuinely talented, well-known singers to participate. That would be so much better than getting traffic-driven performers like Chen Yuzhong!”

He continued earnestly, “With music shows, music is the most important thing! Sure, popular idols can bring in viewers, but their appearance fees are sky-high, and they drag down the program’s quality.

Why not save that money and invest it into a top-notch stage, sound system, and backing band? Deliver the best musical experience for the audience!”

Yang Bing nodded repeatedly. “You’re right, but the directors and execs probably won’t agree. These days, variety shows are all about celebrity traffic; they think it guarantees ratings and ensures the show won’t lose money. Changing their minds is really difficult.”

Yu Zhile replied, “There’s nothing wrong with inviting popular celebrities, but the problem is getting ones with no real talent who just bring down the show’s standard.

A lot of programs only think about how much traffic these stars can bring, but don’t realize that many viewers actually refuse to watch because they dislike talentless idols!

So these stars are like a double-edged sword—good-looking on the surface, but lacking in substance, and outrageously expensive.”

“True, the singer lineup this season on ‘I Am a Star Singer’ really isn’t up to par. Chen Yuzhong is exactly that kind of popular singer with no real skill or signature works. As for Fan Lei and Teacher Wu, they might be famous, but they’re getting older, and their singing isn’t what it used to be.

If we didn’t do post-production tuning, we’d be embarrassed to air it. That’s also why they have so much name recognition, but their votes are so low on the popularity charts.”

Yang Bing sighed. “This actually proves that both traffic-driven idols and veteran stars don’t bring much attention to the show anymore. Otherwise, the ratings wouldn’t have only just broken 1% by the grand finale.”

Yu Zhile asked, “So is the station really planning to have you take the lead and design the next season of ‘I Am a Star Singer’?”

After ordering tea and some appetizers, Yang Bing handed Yu Zhile the menu for the main dishes, and said, “Given the current situation at the station, it’s likely I’ll be the chief planner. Director Zhang has been praising me a lot lately. And Li—the department chief you met at the music channel last time—has also been strongly recommending me. She says most variety show audiences these days are young people, so my ideas and planning are more in tune with viewers and the market.”

Yu Zhile selected dishes on the tablet menu and said, “Then you’re almost guaranteed the job! If you’re doing a total revamp, you could actually create a whole new show based on the original, and just call it ‘I Am a Singer.’

There’s no need to call it ‘I Am a Star Singer’ Season 10. Honestly, by the ninth season, the show has lost most of its audience. A new name, a new beginning—who knows, maybe it’ll set new records.”

“Hearing you say that, I agree—there’s no need for a season ten!”

Yang Bing mused over this, just as the server arrived with tea and appetizers. He thoughtfully rinsed the dishes for Yu Zhile, poured the tea, and, having finished talking about the show, they began reminiscing about their university days.

Half an hour later, they had said all there was to say, the meal was finished, and this time Yu Zhile insisted on paying. He also packed up a roast goose rice and a nourishing soup for his wife.

If traffic was smooth, he’d make it home just in time for the second half of the ‘I Am a Star Singer’ finale tonight.

…

A short while later.

“Wife, I’m home! I brought you delicious roast goose rice—bet you’re starving!”

As soon as Yu Zhile walked in, he saw his wife sitting in the living room, holding their baby while watching the just-begun second half of the ‘I Am a Star Singer’ finale.

Qin Haiyu quickly called out, “Honey, come here! It’s just my turn to perform!”

“Wow, right on time! I thought I’d miss it and have to watch the replay.”

Yu Zhile put the take-out on the table, picked up their baby, and sat down, teasing the little one, “Daddy’s been out for a while—did you miss me?”

Qin Haiyu opened the bag and said, “Of course! Just woke up and didn’t see you—cried and fussed for ages before finally settling down.”

“No wonder the eyelashes are still damp!”

Yu Zhile kissed the baby on the cheek. The little one, standing unsteadily on his lap, would have toppled over if not for being held.

On TV, the second half of the finale was playing, and Qin Haiyu had just taken the stage to sing “Afterwards.”

Her voice was so enchanting from the very first note that even Yu Zhile felt a pang of envy.

His wife truly had a voice from the heavens!

This song, “Afterwards,” was sure to explode in popularity overnight.

Yu Zhile asked, “Wife, when should we upload these two songs?”

Qin Haiyu replied, “Let’s wait until after the finale airs. I checked today—fans are already clamoring on our Weibo for ‘Cherry Blossom Grass’!”

Yu Zhile thought for a moment and said, “Yeah, better to upload them tomorrow. That way the trending buzz and discussion will last longer, and the online viewership for the finale will get a boost too.”

“Alright, you’re the boss.”

Qin Haiyu took a bite of the roast goose rice and exclaimed, “Honey, this is delicious! Did you try it?”

Yu Zhile said, “I did, and it was so good I had to get you some! But I haven’t tried the soup—it just said ‘nourishing and beautifying’ in the notes, so I ordered it for you.”

“Let me try.”

Qin Haiyu took a sip of the soup and commented, “It’s really good! Honey, you should try it too!”

She handed him a spoonful, and Yu Zhile tasted it, satisfied. “This restaurant’s food and soup are both great. Next time we order in, let’s go with them.”

Soon, the performance of “Afterwards” was over.

Qin Haiyu said proudly, “Look, honey! So many in the audience and even the judges were moved to tears by my singing! Even Ni Qiqin cried—she said it was the first song on stage to make her cry!”

Yu Zhile teased, “Wife, why do I feel like they’re all just like you?”

“Like me? How?”

Yu Zhile grinned mischievously and quipped, “Drama queens, just like you!”