Chapter 129: A Lofty Stance

“Two questions—once resolved, we might have a chance to collaborate!”

Upon hearing this, Lu Xinyan’s face brightened with joy. She leaned forward eagerly, signaling her full attention.

“Go ahead,” she said.

Su Chen forcefully shook off the images he shouldn’t have seen moments ago and raised a finger.

“First, although there’s no detailed plan yet, I hope you can try drafting a collaboration proposal—covering cooperation models, resource input, profit-sharing ratios, and so on.”

“Second, after confirming the collaboration plan, we’ll need to find the right timing to discuss further.”

“To be honest, I’m not planning any new variety shows at this stage.”

“‘The Voice of China’ has just aired the first two episodes, with about ten more to go—that’s roughly three months of busy work ahead.”

“You can use this time to carefully consider these two points I mentioned.”

Lu Xinyan pondered for a moment, then spoke softly.

“So, even if we do collaborate, it won’t happen until at least three months from now.”

“Exactly.”

“And whether it happens at all depends on fate.”

Su Chen didn’t close the door like he had with the other stations. With Lu Xinyan, he left a glimmer of hope.

To be frank, no matter who she was—even a so-called ‘senior schoolmate’ with a generally favorable impression—it was still too soon to discuss a collaboration in earnest.

There was no foundation of trust between them yet.

This was different from the cooperation with Zhenan TV, where both parties’ needs aligned. Here, it was Su Nan TV’s initiative.

So there was no rush.

“In that case, it’s fine—we can just consider this a new friendship.”

“Meeting such a talented junior is reason enough for me to make this trip!”

Unexpectedly, she didn’t press the issue but let it drop lightly.

“We’ll think over your points in advance. If the right opportunity arises, we’ll talk again.”

They then chatted about Jiang Yi and shared fond memories of campus life, their conversation warm and pleasant.

When parting, Su Chen added her on WeChat.

Just as Lu Xinyan drove away, Su Chen’s phone rang again.

He glanced at the screen—it was an unknown number.

He almost hung up instinctively but hesitated, worried he might miss something important, and answered.

“Hello, may I speak to Mr. Su Chen?”

A deep male voice with a hint of a broadcast announcer’s tone came through.

Hearing that address, Su Chen guessed it was someone from a TV station.

“Yes, speaking. May I ask who this is?”

“I’m a producer from Mango TV, and we’d like to invite you to co-develop a new variety show.”

“You would be the planner, Mango TV handles production, and in return, you’d receive a percentage of the profits.”

It was indeed Mango TV—and quite direct.

Truthfully, Su Chen preferred this straightforward approach, no beating around the bush.

However, considering the current situation, he politely declined as he had with other stations.

“Sorry, I don’t have plans for a new variety show at the moment.”

“Maybe in the future…”

Before he could finish, the caller interrupted.

“Don’t rush to refuse. Let me explain the benefits of working with us.”

“You know Mango TV’s strength. Before ‘The Voice of China,’ ‘Mango Big Camp’ topped the ratings for years.”

“Our resources and influence are unmatched by other stations.”

“If we collaborate, not only will you gain a share of the profits, but more importantly, we can help you quickly become an industry authority.”

“I know your achievements at Zhenan TV, but I’m confident they can’t offer what I just promised.”

Before he finished, Su Chen interrupted, slightly annoyed but still courteous.

“Thank you for your appreciation, but I’m not considering this right now.”

“Maybe we can cooperate in the future if there’s a chance.”

There was a pause on the other end, then a stiff, muffled voice said,

“Think carefully before you answer!”

Hmm?

What was that?

A threat?

Su Chen laughed bitterly and decided not to give the caller any face.

“May I ask—am I the one begging you for cooperation?”

“Is that how you treat partners?”

“If so, I’ve made my decision. Please, you and Mango TV, don’t call me again, okay?”

From the moment his polite refusal was interrupted, Su Chen sensed the caller’s tone had hardened, laced with emotion.

Still, he chose not to escalate with harsh words, preferring to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Unexpectedly, the caller pushed further, playing this game.

Apparently, Mango TV’s people were used to arrogance!

Su Chen’s reply thoroughly infuriated the caller.

“Su Chen, don’t think that just because you’ve made a show, you can look down on everyone.”

“Variety shows aren’t just about planning—they’re about tact and relationships!”

“No matter how good your plan is, you won’t achieve much without that.”

“I’ll give you one last chance to rethink your words. If…”

Su Chen was too tired to waste time.

“This matter doesn’t require your concern, big producer.”

He hung up.

What a ridiculous bunch!

Honestly, Su Chen had never held strong opinions about Mango TV.

Variety shows were just playful entertainment; no one was nobler than the other.

As long as no lines were crossed, he wouldn’t judge someone lightly.

But now, because of this man, his impression of Mango TV plummeted.

Such haughty airs—you’d think he controlled life and death.

Other provincial stations always sent producers or higher, yet none had this man’s inflated ego.

On reflection, it was understandable—‘Mango Big Camp’ had amassed immense resources over the years.

Almost every movie or song promotion, even new artist launches, chose their channels.

In a way, they could effectively blacklist a star.

This was why the rise of ‘The Voice of China’ threatened them deeply.

The industry’s top player always enjoyed the greatest benefits; the rest suffered.

If leadership changed, they would lose the most.

Hence their anxiety and loss of composure.

But they had picked the wrong target—Su Chen wasn’t yet an insider and wouldn’t be intimidated.

Back at the hotel, Su Chen packed his things.

Tomorrow he was heading to the capital to attend the Golden Melody Awards ceremony.

For a while, he wouldn’t need to constantly monitor things in Hangzhou.

So after this trip, he planned to return directly to Jiang City.

Living in hotels these past two months had been too inconvenient.

If funds weren’t tied up, he might have even bought a place in Hangzhou.

“There she is!”

The next morning, Su Chen wheeled his suitcase downstairs.

At the hotel entrance, he saw Jiang Yan waving at him through a small crack in the nanny van’s window.