Chapter 181: The Arrangement for You is Plain and Clear

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The next day, the *Los Angeles Times* published an interview in a supplement article:

"Yesterday, two news anchors from ABC TV revealed that they, along with other prominent figures, including the stars of 'A Family With a Fairy Wife,' hosts of 'TV Shopping,' and Ms. Susan from 'Beautiful Kitchen,' were poached by other TV stations. Even regular staff members were targeted."

"The blame is being directed squarely at NBC and CBS."

"A recent survey showed that ABC, after switching to rebroadcasting, quickly surpassed NBC and CBS, becoming the highest-rated TV station with the most popular programs among U.S. viewers. This must have put immense pressure on the other two networks."

"The author of this article is a fan of 'A Family With a Fairy Wife,' praising it as the best-produced TV series in U.S. history with a light and entertaining plot. ABC has invested significant resources in it, making it a standout show."

"If the lead actors are poached, the series will likely be canceled, which would be a major loss for all American fans of 'A Family With a Fairy Wife'—an irreversible and permanent loss."

"The author emphasizes that when a company does better than you, you should focus on improving your own offerings rather than using unethical tactics to sabotage others."

"This kind of behavior is disgraceful."

The article created a buzz, seizing the moral high ground. By the morning of the third day, a large group of demonstrators, including men, women, and children, gathered outside NBC headquarters. Holding signs, they chanted slogans like:

"Stop persecuting ABC, we want to watch 'A Family With a Fairy Wife.'"

"Oppose unethical poaching."

"Sabotage is shameful; stop it, NBC!"

The demonstrators made their presence known outside NBC's office, demanding the network stop its underhanded tactics. A similar protest occurred outside CBS headquarters, where demonstrators chanted slogans condemning the network's actions.

These demonstrators were easy to organize, especially with Corleone's family influence in New York. Soon, word spread that demonstrators were at the gates of the two major TV networks.

Journalists from various newspapers rushed to cover the events, capturing images of the protests. Reporters interviewed the demonstrators, including a middle-aged man who passionately said, "I love 'A Family With a Fairy Wife' and don't want it to disappear. NBC and CBS's actions are shameful. If they succeed, we'll never see 'A Family With a Fairy Wife' again. It's unforgivable."

When asked if the protest was spontaneous, he replied, "Yes, I rallied my family, neighbors, and friends. This is just the first day; I believe more people will join tomorrow."

The reporters also spoke with a six-year-old girl who said, "My mom told me that if ABC TV is gone, I can't watch Macabaka."

Her mother explained that Macabaka is a character from the ABC children's show *Garden Baby*, which her daughter loves. "I heard NBC and CBS want to poach them too. This is unacceptable."

The protests outside the two broadcasting companies grew, drawing more attention from the media. The situation became increasingly embarrassing for NBC and CBS, prompting them to call the police to disperse the demonstrators.

The police arrived, warning the protesters to stay peaceful and not enter the broadcasting company premises. However, the police didn't take any further action, merely gathering in the shade and chatting. When NBC staff questioned the lack of enforcement, the police explained that the protests were legal as long as they remained peaceful.

The next day, even more demonstrators appeared, with over a hundred people gathered at each broadcasting company. Many were genuinely passionate about saving their favorite shows.

This escalation was widely reported by major newspapers like *The New York Times*, *Los Angeles Times*, and *Washington Post*, all highlighting the large crowds blocking the entrances to NBC and CBS headquarters.

ABC TV's noon news program seized the moment. The hosts, who had initially reported the poaching attempts, gleefully covered the protests, sharing footage of demonstrators condemning NBC and CBS. Interviews with ABC staff followed, with many expressing their loyalty to ABC and mocking the lowball offers they had received from other networks.

Jessica Walter, the lead actress of "A Family With a Fairy Wife," was interviewed, stating, "I was approached, but I refused immediately. I'm happy at ABC. Why would I leave? This network gave me a chance when I was a nobody, and I owe it to the fans to continue playing Isabella."

Other staff echoed similar sentiments, ridiculing the idea of leaving ABC for lower-paying jobs at other networks. The broadcast ended with a triumphant note, leaving NBC and CBS humiliated.

Meanwhile, in New York, Henry was targeting Harvey Zola, NBC's vice president in charge of programming. Harvey, unaware of the brewing storm, retreated to his private estate on the outskirts of the city—a secret he kept even from his wife.

There, he met with a young and beautiful NBC host who had recently joined the network. Promising her a new show, he suggested a program where a nurse teaches new mothers how to care for their babies. Harvey's true intention, however, was far from professional. After a brief conversation, the two engaged in an affair.

Unbeknownst to Harvey, everything was recorded.

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