novelraw Chapter 42 I Have a Date with ATV!
Chapter 42 I Have a Date with ATV!
For some reason, Li Mingyao, who usually has a good appetite, seemed to have lost his appetite.
"By the way, your grandfather was very happy to find out that you are going back to China to study instead of going abroad... He insisted on coming to see you. Your grandmother was worried, so she came along too."
Upon hearing his father's hesitant tone, Li Shuo's eyes lit up.
"That's great! I was originally planning to settle things at school as soon as possible and then fly back to see my parents before going to America."
In his childhood memories, the love of his grandparents was the most comfortable background for him, who grew up in a single-parent family.
In my previous life, I didn't know how to cherish things. When I finally wanted to, my grandparents were already "too late."
I felt a mix of nostalgia and relief, but then I noticed the sullen look on my father's face.
He immediately realized that his grandfather had arrived... and his father was in a bit of a precarious situation!
Grandpa Li Yisheng had always harbored a grudge against Li Shuo's father... The old man originally thought that his son Li Mingyao was "not doing his proper job" and had given up on his dream of passing on folk music.
Having finally found a talented grandson, even though he later went through a rebellious phase and became disobedient, she still thought it best to keep him by her side and teach him personally.
Without any prior notice, the son suddenly sent his grandson to Singapore and planned to send him to an even more distant country to study.
The old man immediately exploded, bringing up Li Mingyao's old grievances and scolding him for being an unfilial son who went out to "buy and sell" to make a few dirty money, looking down on his artistic heritage, and now he was even harming his grandson!
It's really not Li Mingyao's fault... Actually, it was Li Shuo's grandson's idea to go abroad... but Grandpa just doesn't think it's his fault.
It's the same old tune of "the father-son relationship has ended."
If it weren't for Grandma Song Zhuohua's strong intervention, she would have almost severed ties with Li Mingyao and his son.
Then Li Mingyao's tone was rather helpless.
"The old man doesn't go out much anymore, but this time the Chinese National Orchestra came to Hong Kong for a cultural exchange performance, and he didn't refuse... On the surface, he's leading the team, but actually he came specifically for you."
Li Shuo could almost picture the scene. He felt a little like laughing, but also felt sorry for his father.
"Then...would you like to temporarily avoid confrontation?"
Li Mingyao wholeheartedly agreed.
"So, your second aunt just mentioned that Baiteng Real Estate is planning a restructuring under Temasek Holdings, and they have some projects planned in China. I thought I'd go take a look."
He looked at his son, his eyes revealing a rare expectation.
Li Shuo understood.
"Dad, don't worry about your business. Leave Grandpa and Grandma to me; I'll make sure they're happy. As for you and Grandpa... I'll find the right opportunity to help you move on from this."
After Li Shuo finished eating, he got up to clean up.
Dad suddenly remembered.
"Oh, and your Uncle Zhu's daughter is also coming to visit for a few days."
Li Shuo was taken aback.
"Who?"
"Who else could it be?"
Dad reminded me.
"I used to learn piano from your grandma when I was little, and I always lost to you in city competitions. I'd chase after you crying after losing. Later, I don't know how, you got involved in that lousy rock band, and I followed you around to watch your shows all the time. The night before you left Beijing, didn't you smash a hole in the window of your room in our yard!"
"...It's her."
After I went to Singapore in my previous life, we lost touch... But I remember meeting her again at a charity event in Hong Kong Island. She had gone through a lot at that time, but she was still stunningly beautiful.
It has indeed been a long time since we last met, no wonder I didn't think of it at first.
Now... I don't have such vivid memories of other things... I only remember that I used to love ice cream... and this girl took me to her family's ice cream factory, and I ended up having diarrhea and being hospitalized. That memory is still quite fresh in my mind!
After tidying up and returning to my room, I took advantage of my newly acquired fluency in Peninsular languages to write Peninsular lyrics for several songs and emailed two of the lyrics to Zheng Xiuwen.
It's almost time for Sammi to finish recording her album, and she should be starting her concert tour soon.
Unexpectedly, Zheng Xiuwen called.
She spoke as quickly as ever, and seemed to be in a very busy state again.
Li Shuo spoke first.
"Sammi! Did you listen to me and eat and rest properly?!"
The other person hesitated for a moment: "Yes, yes! You little brat are so annoying!" But her tone immediately changed, full of joy.
"Never mind that, I was just about to contact you! Your demos for 'Farewell Song' and 'Love You Till I Die,' which you submitted to ATV, have been selected! The production team thinks they fit the vibe of 'My Date with a Zombie.' Although they're not typical Cantonese songs from Hong Kong TV stations, they're currently undergoing reforms and innovation, and they think the quality of your two songs is worth trying!"
She paused for a moment, then continued, "By the way, I told you that you happen to be in Hong Kong Island, and director Sin Chi-wai said that if it's convenient for you, you can go over today to sign the contract. They also want to arrange for you to start recording in the studio immediately to catch up on the post-production of the series."
Li Shuo felt confident: "Sammi, could you please tell the director that I can go right now?"
After hanging up the phone, Li Shuo greeted his father, who hadn't left the house yet.
Li Mingyao quickly reminded him again.
"Your grandparents' flight arrives the day after tomorrow, Friday, and... that girl too."
Li Shuo was just replying and about to leave when his father's cheerful voice hurriedly followed.
"I've arranged the hotel and bought two new cars. Secretary Lin will contact you and give you the driver's contact information. Just follow the instructions and make the arrangements! I've left a bank card on your bedside table; feel free to use it as you see fit, but don't tell your grandfather!"
---
A subtle sense of unease permeated the air around the ATV Broadcast Drive headquarters building.
In the reception area on the first floor, after the receptionist served tea, she couldn't help but glance frequently at the sofa area for guests.
There sat a handsome young man there, so handsome that it was impossible for anyone to concentrate on their work; his demeanor was refreshing and pleasing to the eye.
She wondered to herself, "Is this a newcomer here for an audition?"
Their appearance is impeccable, but ATV is currently in turmoil and its future is uncertain.
Should we remind this handsome young man that if he really wants to enter the entertainment industry, he should go to TVB, which is currently at its peak, just across the street...?
Li Shuo waited quietly, his gaze sweeping over the slightly worn-out yet still impressive lobby.
This is Asia Television in 1998.
As he was thinking, there was a noise at the door.
A tall, slightly overweight middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses calmly led a small group of people into the lobby and headed directly for the high-rise elevator.
Li Shuo felt like he looked familiar?
Isn't this Liu Changle?
That's right, this is the time.
In 1998, it was this "media tycoon" from the mainland who joined forces with Feng Ping and others to acquire a controlling stake in ATV from the financially troubled Lin Baixin family.
After Liu Changle took over, he did indeed turn ATV around and make it incredibly successful with dramas such as "The Legendary Swordsman," "Princess Pearl," and "My Date with a Vampire."
However, this also set the stage for a power struggle among ATV's later shareholders that lasted for more than a decade. Frequent changes in management and internal strife would eventually exhaust the vitality of this long-established television station, leading to its collapse.
A thought flashed through Li Shuo's mind.
If the father were to get involved in the acquisition now, he might be able to get a share of the profits in the short term, and then sell at a higher price in the future to make a profit.
But soon, he shook his head to himself.
Firstly, this kind of equity game has a long cycle and many variables, and the money-making speed is far less than those more direct and profitable plans in his mind.
Secondly, he knew that the future shareholder chaos at ATV would be a quagmire, and getting involved would inevitably lead to too many trivial matters, wasting precious energy and time.
Moreover, a major transformation of traditional media is underway in southern Hunan province! Therefore, more opportunities in this area are not in Hong Kong!
Just as he was pondering this, a staff member walked over quickly and looked at Li Shuo, initially surprised. "Are the composers of those two beautiful Mandarin songs so young?!"
But I still extended a polite invitation.
"Mr. Li? Director Xian, please come up."