Chapter 3
After Tan Yue and Xu Nuo returned from their break, they noticed a hushed conversation unfolding around a corner. Unperturbed, Tan Yue headed straight to his desk, focusing on his tasks. As he powered up his computer, an email from Taiwan captured his attention.
The email, addressed to all internal staff, unveiled an opportunity to vie for the position of Chief Planner for the 9:00 p.m. program on the Children's Channel. Tan Yue's eyes sparkled with anticipation; the buzz he observed earlier among colleagues now made sense—the competition for employment was underway.
Within the TV station, career advancement often followed the conventional ladder, but the competitive employment system injected new vitality. This system unearthed hidden talents and elevated individuals to leadership roles beyond the customary trajectory.
The sudden competition for the Chief Planner position presented Tan Yue with an intriguing opportunity. The program in question, "Liangliang Storytelling," aired on the Children's Channel at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Despite previous ratings hovering between 2% and 3%, recent months had witnessed a decline below 2%, threatening the program's existence.
Rumors circulated about the show's potential cancellation, yet no decisive action had been taken. The vacuum created by the potential cancellation prompted the initiation of this competition for a replacement program.
The competitive process comprised two rounds. In the first round, planners had a week to formulate their program ideas and submit them for evaluation. The second round involved interviews, with selected planners proceeding to the final stage.
Excitement and anticipation permeated the atmosphere as Tan Yue contemplated participating in this competition. Despite the challenges, the prospect of becoming the Chief Planner for a program resonated with many, including himself.
Amid these thoughts, memories of his previous life resurfaced. In that timeline, Tan Yue had spent five years in the entertainment industry as a publicist, grappling with inertia and procrastination. The persistent urgings of his girlfriend to marry him added another layer of complexity to his predicament.
Regret mingled with nostalgia, prompting Tan Yue to momentarily wish for another cigarette to ease his contemplative mood. Shaking off these sentiments, he redirected his focus to the impending competition.
In the afternoon, amidst his routine work on "Folk Talk," Tan Yue sifted through materials, contemplating potential enhancements. Simultaneously, he strategized for the upcoming competition, drawing upon his extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry gained in his previous life.
As the workday drew to a close, Tan Yue, eager to embrace his new reality, clocked out and decided to walk home. The bustling streets of Jishui City, illuminated by the glow of streetlights, offered a backdrop for Tan Yue's introspection.
Upon reaching home, Tan Yue took a moment to observe the lively exchanges in the family group chat. Messages of familial warmth filled the screen, centered around the achievements of his niece, Xinxin. Although the original owner's relationship with his family had strained, Tan Yue recognized the love and joy expressed in these messages.
Yet, as he silently observed the interactions, a discordant note struck when Qi Xue's name flashed on his phone screen, signaling an incoming call. Tan Yue, bracing himself for the conversation, answered the call, uncertain of what this unexpected interaction might unfold.