Rebirth: Spoiling the Obsessive Film Emperor Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Planning a Variety Show

"A variety show? And a brand-new one at that? The scriptwriter has no prior experience?" Shang Liu wore an expression that clearly said: Are you kidding me?  

Yin Chengjue had expected this reaction. After all, in an era flooded with variety shows, launching a new one ran a high risk of following the same old path—using popular celebrities to generate hype during promotion, quickly building momentum to spike short-term popularity, only to gradually lose audience interest due to dull Q&A sessions and repetitive games, eventually fading into obscurity.  

This wasn’t just true for new shows. Even well-established variety programs, after their second, third, or fourth seasons, often lost their original fanbase due to cast changes or stale formats.  

Shang Liu’s skepticism was understandable.  

"We can do a trial recording first and see how the audience reacts after broadcast," Yin Chengjue proposed, sharing the plan he had discussed with Qin Linlin.  

"A trial recording? Have you already decided on the guests?" Shang Liu raised an eyebrow. "Fast-paced or slow-paced? What’s the target age group? Are we inviting established seniors to anchor the show or current trending celebrities?"  

Yin Chengjue gestured to his assistant, Guan, who promptly handed Shang Liu a printed document.  

Shang Liu’s initial disapproval gradually shifted as he flipped through the meticulously outlined framework and structure of the show. His expression turned serious, then finally settled into a knowing smile.  

"Not bad. In just a few days, you’ve managed to dig up such a gem." Shang Liu clapped his hands. "Fine, leave the guest invitations to me. But I have one condition."  

Yin Chengjue motioned for him to speak.  

Shang Liu didn’t beat around the bush. "I want to join in my personal capacity."  

Yin Chengjue feigned surprise. "Oh? Not representing the company?"  

Shang Liu shot him a look. "Cut the act. Right now, the Yin Group is in the middle of its biggest internal turmoil. That ‘wonderful’ father of yours may be lying in a hospital bed, but he’s still got plenty of capable people under him, ready to fight tooth and nail in court. It’s still unclear who’ll have the last laugh. Even if Chairman Yin has evidence of your father’s infidelity, a lawsuit doesn’t guarantee he’ll walk away with nothing."  

Shang Liu slowly twisted the ring on his thumb. "Plus, after what we uncovered last time, we can’t fully trust Huansheng Entertainment—at least not right now."  

With the variety show in the works, selecting the right guests required careful consideration.  

Since Huansheng Entertainment wasn’t involved, Yin Chengjue and Shang Liu agreed not to source talent from there. Instead, they focused on independent artists and those signed to smaller studios.  

Thanks to Shang Liu’s extensive connections, they quickly secured a well-known stand-up comedian, who, after reviewing the show’s framework, recommended a moderately popular comedian as well.  

Both were quick-witted entertainers who could keep the show lively with their banter.  

Shang Liu suggested inviting two or three trending celebrities to boost initial hype—a mutually beneficial arrangement. However, since this was just a trial run, splurging on big-name guests carried risks. If the show failed to meet audience expectations and got scrapped, the backlash from fans could be brutal.  

Yin Chengjue, Shang Liu, and the Qin siblings sat on opposite ends of the couch, deep in thought—Who should they invite for the trial? This was a real problem.  

"Hey, didn’t you recently sign a trainee from Hey Brother, Let's Debut? Could he make time for the trial recording?" Shang Liu suddenly had an idea. "He’s managed by Sally, right? Sally’s trustworthy—no risk of her leaking anything to certain people at Huansheng."  

And most importantly—he’s cheap!

Shang Liu’s eyes gleamed with shrewd calculation.