"Youth With You" was a talent show modeled after foreign reality TV, and its appeal lay in the thrill of nurturing a budding star.
While there was some behind-the-scenes manipulation and scripting, the show couldn't afford to alienate its fan base.
The influence of "super fans" was immense.
If they stopped contributing, the financial fallout for the production team would be incalculable.
"Rest assured, madam, we will not disappoint you," the director took a deep breath, "nor will we let the trainees suffer."
After successfully pacifying the fans and persuading them to disperse, the exhausted director and producer returned to their office.
"Call Tianle Media," the producer said, taking a drag from his cigarette after some thought. "Ask for their opinion."
The assistant quickly dialed the number.