novelraw Chapter 667 Zhao Jinmai, a Rebellious Spirit
Chapter 667 Zhao Jinmai, a Rebellious Spirit
He was utterly impressed by these two people. One genuinely didn't understand, while the other was deliberately pretending not to. And no matter how he tried to argue, he couldn't win.
Jiang Yang looked at Meng Ziyi: "Sister Meng, say a few words."
Seeing this, Mencius composed himself and straightened his posture.
Actually, she had always wanted to participate in the conversation, but she just couldn't find a suitable opportunity.
The conversation revolved entirely around Zhao Jinmai, ranging from her acting experiences to her daily hobbies. The pace was fast and the atmosphere was lively, leaving no room for her to interject.
Zhao Jinmai has a lively personality and speaks frankly. She interacts with Jiang Yang and Tian Xiwei from time to time, taking center stage at the scene.
With Xue Zhiqian, Ning Jing, and Liu Wei occasionally striking up conversations, she found it even harder to get a chance.
This is my first time appearing on a variety show.
I'm not used to it at all.
Jiang Yang took the initiative to invite her, and she finally had an opportunity to express herself.
"I think this song captures both the confusion of youth and the delicate emotions it conveys. I'm about to graduate from university and have had real-life romantic experiences, so I understand it immediately."
The words fell.
The junior agents present responded enthusiastically.
On the other side of the control room, the staff were each performing their duties.
The director kept his eyes glued to the multiple surveillance screens in front of him.
The screen clearly displays images from every corner of the studio.
While closely observing every development on site, he gave instructions methodically over the walkie-talkie.
While Meng Ziyi was speaking, the camera focused on him, giving him a clear close-up of his face to capture his expression and subtle facial features.
Simultaneously filming Zhao Jinmai and Tian Xiwei's real-time reactions.
Also, zoom out to capture a panoramic view of the junior agents responding enthusiastically, to really highlight the lively atmosphere on site.
Seeing this, before Wang Han could speak, Jiang Yang immediately took the initiative to introduce Meng Ziyi: "Ziyi is..."
Upon hearing Jiang Yang call her Ziyi, Meng Ziyi subconsciously corrected him: "Call me Sister Meng."
"Okay, okay, Sister Meng." Jiang Yang said with a smile, "When I first arrived in Hengdian to film, Sister Meng took good care of me."
Seeing that the topic had finally been brought up to Meng Ziyi, Wang Han adjusted his tone and began to introduce her: "Ziyi, some of you may not be familiar with her yet. Ziyi is the most beautiful girl at Beijing Film Academy. You can all tell, right? She has a great appearance and a mature aura just by sitting down."
"Her acting career is also very impressive. She starred in 'God of War Zhao Yun' and played the role of Shi Yan. Jiang Yang also made a guest appearance in this drama. The two can be considered old partners."
Welcome, Meng Ziyi!
The sound of slamming the table and applause.
The atmosphere was lively.
After the introductions, Wang Han took the initiative to start a conversation, just like when he introduced Zhao Jinmai: "Ziyi, besides filming, is there anything you're good at?"
Upon hearing this...
Meng Ziyi smiled confidently: "I usually like to sing, and my friends call me the Heavenly Singer."
These words were spoken.
Tian Xiwei, Zhao Jinmai, and Jiang Yang all turned to look at Meng Ziyi.
Meng Ziyi asked with a smile, "What's with your expressions? Isn't that what you mean? Haven't you all heard me sing before?"
Zhao Jinmai reacted the fastest, nodding repeatedly: "Indeed, indeed, Sister Meng, you are a born songstress, your singing is amazing!"
“Indeed, indeed.” Tian Xi covered her mouth and chuckled secretly, then turned to look at Jiang Yang, her tone teasing: “Right, Jiang Yang? Sister Meng’s singing is amazing.”
"Yes, yes, it sounds really good."
Jiang Yang nodded repeatedly.
MaiMai and XiWei both heard Sister Meng sing at the KTV.
He is different.
He heard it in his hotel room.
Every time Sister Meng starts singing, he has to quickly shut her up and force her to sing.
He wondered if Wang Han would ask Meng Ziyi to sing a song on the spot, but he could imagine that Meng Ziyi would definitely agree without hesitation if Wang Han invited her.
It doesn't matter anymore.
Anyway, there are so many people here, we'll share the hardships together.
The conversation returned to Zhao Jinmai: "So, let's start today's proposal with Mai Mai. Mai Mai, please say it out loud, what is your proposal for today?"
The words fell.
The studio fell silent.
All eyes were on Zhao Jinmai.
Jiang Yang was curious about the content of Zhao Jinmai's proposal, but at the same time, he was also a little worried.
Yesterday, he specifically messaged Zhao Jinmai, asking her to send him the contents of her proposal so he could help review it, just like he did last time when he reviewed the proposals for Chaoyue and Ruth. He was afraid she might write something that couldn't be broadcast, which would require last-minute modifications and re-recording, delaying the program's schedule.
Zhao Jinmai only replied with one line: [“What my proposal is is none of your business. I’m not your artist, like your mother.”]
Upon seeing that reply, Jiang Yang was furious and immediately retorted: "[What are you doing in my company's internal group, calling yourself General Manager Mai?]"
Zhao Jinmai replied: ["One thing at a time. In your company's internal group, I'm CEO Mai, and it's fine for me to manage your subordinates. But outside, nobody can control me. I am who I am, a firework of a different color!"]
Upon receiving Zhao Jinmai's reply, Jiang Yang had only one thought.
This kid is hopeless, he really deserves a beating.
Be polite and courteous in front of the camera.
When it comes to him, he becomes rebellious.
No wonder Teacher Hu Lin was so strict with Mai Mai back then. If Mai Mai were his child, he would have beaten Mai Mai so badly that he would want to run away from home.
The lights in the studio gradually dimmed.
A bright spotlight shone precisely on Zhao Jinmai, making her stand out.
Zhao Jinmai took a deep breath and stood up. Instead of rushing to state the content of her proposal, she slowly turned around, looked around, and then looked at the hundreds of junior agents. She asked, "Are there any of you brothers and sisters here who are still in school like me? If so, please raise your hand."
As soon as he finished speaking, someone in the audience immediately raised their hand and responded: "Yes, that's me! I'm in high school."
Zhao Jinmai's eyes lit up, and she nodded with a smile: "I'll be going to high school soon too!"
Then another voice rang out: "I'm in junior high school."
“I’m still a junior high school student, I just graduated from junior high school,” Zhao Jinmai said with a smile.
Someone shouted, "MaiMai, I'm in school! I'm in college!"
Zhao Jinmai joked, "Yang Chaoyue must be very envious of you. He always says that college life is wonderful."
As soon as he finished speaking, a burst of laughter erupted in the studio.
The atmosphere at the scene became lively.
Ning Jing looked at Zhao Jinmai, who was full of energy on the stage, and smiled gently. She sighed softly, "Maimai is so energetic. I was like that when I was a child. I was fearless."
Sitting next to her in the deputy director's seat, Guo Xuefu chimed in, "Jing-jie, were you this lively when you were little? Did you easily bring joy to your family?"
Ning Jing waved her hand and joked with a smile, "No, no, my family was really annoyed with me back then. I was too naughty and often got beaten up."
Zhao Jinmai interacted with the junior agents in the audience for a few more minutes, and gradually felt more confident.
She cleared her throat and said, "I'm relieved to see that there are so many older brothers and sisters studying like me. I'm sure my proposal will resonate with you all... I've discovered that!"
The speaker played a lighthearted background sound that accompanied Zhao Jinmai as she presented her proposal.
She wiped the smile from her face, her expression turning serious, and said solemnly, "The same thing can be interpreted differently by people of different statuses."
Wang Han cooperatively pressed on, "For example?"
Zhao Jinmai raised her eyes: "Take going to school for example. That's just how teachers see it. But to us students, it's like going to jail."
After saying that, Zhao Jinmai's palms became sweaty.
I was actually a little nervous.
I was afraid that my proposal wouldn't be compelling enough to resonate with everyone.
Another point is that she had been holding onto this idea for a long time.
She really hates going to school, and now that she finally has a chance to say it, she's afraid that people won't understand and will think she's being immature.
The worst thing is when the atmosphere becomes awkward and the conversation goes cold.
Seeing that no one responded immediately after she finished speaking, she hurriedly turned to Jiang Yang and asked tentatively, "Jiang Yang, um, did you understand the content of my proposal?"
Jiang Yang understood what Zhao Jinmai meant.
The girl seemed quite at ease, thanks to her years of experience. She usually enjoys teasing him, but since it was her first time on a variety show, she still felt flustered when she became the center of attention.
Having debuted as a child star, she has a lot of experience in filming and recording children's programs, and is used to the camera, which has helped her develop a seemingly composed demeanor.
She can criticize him freely in private without any hesitation, and she's very confident.
The main reason was that she felt no pressure because of the familiar people and atmosphere.
This time is different; it's her first time appearing on an adult-oriented variety show like "Mars Intelligence Agency."
Facing hundreds of junior agents, numerous senior guests, and the entire event under the constant camera's focus.
It was completely different from any scenario I had encountered before.
His seemingly effortless demeanor stems more from the confidence built upon years of experience.
It's not that I'm not nervous.
Once you become the absolute focus of attention and have to carry the proposal segment alone, that unfamiliar pressure arises.
Deep down, he has the timidity of a child.
I'll panic.
He instinctively reached out to Jiang Yang, whom he knew well, for help.
Jiang Yang, sitting in the guest seat, was the first to raise his hand and applaud: "I understand, applause!"
The studio was silent for a second, then thunderous applause erupted, echoing throughout the entire studio.
Jiang Yang breathed a sigh of relief, a weight lifted from his heart. He had been really on edge, afraid that Mai Mai would say something that couldn't be broadcast, but thankfully everything went smoothly.
The most enthusiastic applause came from the junior agents who had just interacted with Zhao Jinmai.
Especially those students who are still studying.
And Xiwei and Sister Meng.
"I wholeheartedly agree with Mai Mai's proposal, to be honest."
Xue Zhiqian laughed and changed the subject, smoothly steer the topic back to the proposal itself: "When I was in school, I looked forward to holidays every day. I even thought about skipping classes. I was playful back then, but that's not the point."
He immediately changed the subject: "The point is, can you believe it? Mai Mai's parents are both educators, and Mai Mai actually dared to say such things. Your mother is a teacher, does she know that you secretly say that going to school is like going to jail?"
Zhao Jinmai puffed out her chest, straightened her back, and said seriously, "I still dare to say the same thing in front of my mother."
She added, "My mom and I have talked about this, and she said that when she taught students like me, she actually went to jail, the kind of jail that leads to life imprisonment."
These words were spoken.
Laughter erupted in the studio.
The already lively atmosphere was taken to an even higher level.
Wang Han heard the director's voice through his earpiece, instructing him: "Brother Han, Mai Mai's discovery is excellent, simple and down-to-earth, and it will maximize the program's effect. Keep up the pace and try to guide the guests to repeat Mai Mai's findings. Thank you."
Upon hearing this, Wang Han immediately understood.
The smile on his face deepened.
Taking the opportunity to broaden the conversation, he smiled, gestured to the audience, and spoke in a friendly yet slightly teasing tone:
"MaiMai's discovery is indeed a novel perspective. Has anyone else made similar discoveries? We've been recording the show for two hours now, and everyone's tired. I've noticed many junior agents secretly playing on their phones when the cameras aren't rolling."
As he spoke, Wang Han slowly scanned the entire room of junior agents.
Back at the control room, the director knew that Wang Han was taking the opportunity to continue discussing this topic.
I'm trying to figure out which guest to start the conversation with.
He instructed the cameraman to quickly adjust the camera position, focus, and precisely point the lens at the junior agents below the stage.
They successfully caught several people secretly playing on their phones. After being exposed by Wang Han, they hurriedly hid their phones in their pockets, their faces filled with panic and a hint of shyness.
The camera deliberately gave them a close-up.
Then the scene quickly switched to Wang Han and the guests' seats.
Capturing more on-the-spot interactions between guests and junior agents, as well as impromptu banter among guests, highlights the core characteristics of "Mars Intelligence Agency"—no script, emphasis on improvisation—making the show more authentic and entertaining, and further bridging the gap with the audience.
Zhao Jinmai's lively performance has become the focus of attention at the scene.
Extending the interaction around her proposal further amplifies the impact of her program.
This also encourages other guests to appear on screen, making their roles more balanced.
“Jiang Yang, you’re on your phone too!” Wang Han’s gaze fell on Jiang Yang.
"I wasn't playing, I was just checking the time." Jiang Yang immediately put down his phone.
“Every time I talk in class and the teacher catches me, the teacher asks me if I'm talking, and I always say no, just like Jiang Yang did.”
After saying that, Zhao Jinmai curiously peeked her head over Jiang Yang's side.
He quickly glanced at his phone screen, then immediately stood up and shouted into the microphone, "Brother Han, Jiang Yang is lying to you. He's not checking the time at all; he's chatting with Chao Yue."
"Which side are you on?" Jiang Yang glanced at Zhao Jinmai: "Maimai, I really suspect you're that student in your class who loves to tattle on things to the teacher."
The audience burst into laughter.
"Jiang Yang, just tell me, were you listening carefully to what I just discovered?" Zhao Jinmai asked earnestly.
Yes, I heard it.
“Then tell me a similar one, like my proposal, where different people see the same thing and say different things,” Zhao Jinmai pressed, her tone relentless.
"You want me to make this up on the spot? How can you be so mean?" Jiang Yang frowned.
He knew in his heart that Mai Mai was giving him a chance.
They deliberately steered the conversation towards him, giving him more screen time.
Now it's time for Mai Mai's proposal segment, which is Mai Mai's show.
With her lively personality on the show, she can easily control the pace of the program. If she wants someone to get screen time, she just needs to steer the conversation in that direction.
The key is whether the other party can handle it.
"Mars Intelligence Agency" is a variety show that has no fixed script. The guests only prepare their own proposals, and all other interactions are improvised.
Guests who don't perform well will basically have no chance to appear on the show again unless they have a very strong connection like Wang Han.
It's true that it's generating a lot of buzz and exposure, but the risks are also significant.
If you say something wrong or perform poorly, you can easily attract criticism.
"Once you enroll at Beijing Film Academy, you'll be producing a TV series called 'New Life.' I heard that Beijing Film Academy is fully funding it. And Xiao Jiang, you've composed so many songs, and so many people online call you a creative genius. How could a proposal similar to mine possibly stump you?"
Zhao Jinmai urged again, deliberately drawing out her words: "No way, no way, you can't really be stumped, can you?"
"Everyone heard that, MaiMai just called me XiaoJiang!"
Jiang Yang shouted, "Really, I'm calling your mom right now and telling her you're being rude."
"Hey, don't change the subject, hurry up and tell us!" Zhao Jinmai continued to urge.
The two chatted for a few more minutes, eliciting continuous laughter from the audience and making the atmosphere even more lively.
Jiang Yang then stopped teasing, his expression gradually becoming serious, and slowly said, "Okay... I've discovered it!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the lights in the studio dimmed instantly.
The accompanying sound effects for the proposal began promptly. A spotlight shone precisely on Jiang Yang, making him stand out from the crowd.
The entire room fell silent.
All eyes were focused on Jiang Yang.
While everyone's attention was focused on Jiang Yang, Zhao Jinmai quietly turned to the side and gently nudged Tian Xiwei next to her with her elbow.
She covered the microphone tightly with one hand and lowered her voice: "Xiwei, get ready. I'm going to call on you and bring the topic to you. Jiang Yang is just stalling for time. You need to come up with a discovery similar to the one I just proposed. Just something simple and down-to-earth."
"Ah, me?" Tian Xiwei was taken aback and her body stiffened for a moment.
She had just been worried that Zhao Jinmai and Jiang Yang were arguing back and forth, fearing that the two of them might really lose their temper.
They were also afraid that Mai Mai might get carried away with her emotions and accidentally speak with a Northeastern accent.
Mai Mai just dared to call Jiang Yang "Little Jiang." When she gets impatient, she easily reveals her true colors in private.
To everyone's surprise, it turned out that everything the two of them were acting, with the purpose of driving the pace of the show and creating more screen time for her.
"I'm a little flustered. I'm afraid I won't be able to think of anything. What if I don't say it well and there's an awkward silence?" Tian Xi said softly.
Following up on other people's proposals is definitely not her forte, even for Mai Mai.
She has prepared her own proposal.
However, such highly exposed shots are unlikely to be cut.
Whether you can seize the opportunity depends entirely on your own abilities.
I felt a sense of transcendence. After recording this variety show, I said to her, "Xiwei, let me tell you, I don't know if it's because it's my first time recording a talk show and I'm not used to it, but I felt tense the whole time. I was afraid of not being on camera, and I was also afraid that when the camera came on, I wouldn't be able to handle it."
"It's alright, it's alright," Zhao Jinmai shook her head and reassured her, "If you can't figure it out, just say you don't know. Xiao Jiang and I will help you change the subject. We definitely won't make you feel embarrassed, don't worry."
Tian Xi's eyes flickered, and after thinking for a moment, she said, "How about you, Mai Mai, steer this topic toward Xue Zhiqian? Old Xue will definitely be able to pick up on it. He's so witty, he won't let it fall flat. I won't add to the chaos."
"Are you stupid? Sister Meng is simple-minded, but you're stupid. You also make jokes in private, so what are you afraid of?"
Zhao Jinmai patted her arm, lowered her voice, and pressed the microphone seriously, saying, "Me, you, Xiao Jiang, and Sister Meng, the four of us are the real family. Why give this opportunity to Xue Zhiqian? You and Sister Meng haven't been on many shows and aren't used to the rhythm of this kind of impromptu variety show. This show has such high exposure. Xiao Jiang and I finally managed to get along well, so of course we should direct the camera towards you and Sister Meng, let you get more exposure, and make your presence felt. We can't let this trip be in vain."
"Okay, okay, I understand." Tian Xiwei nodded quickly.
I feel grateful.
He patted his head.
Stop being so dense, think of something already!
We must come up with a plan; we can't waste the camera opportunities that Jiang Yang and Mai Mai have created for us.
Cheer up, perform well, and don't let us down.
A warm little hand reached out and took her hand.
Tian Xi looked down and saw Zhao Jinmai's fingertips pressing on her palm, then gently patting the back of her hand: "Don't worry, Xiao Jiang and I are here. We've got your back, so you don't need to be afraid. If I don't perform well, there's still Xiao Jiang. He's a seasoned pro, he can handle any joke, and he definitely won't make you feel awkward."
"Okay, okay." Tian Xi nodded vigorously, her nervousness dissipating considerably.
MaiMai is the one in the group who's best at roasting people.
She was also criticized by Mai Mai once.
However, when she appears on variety shows, the experienced Mai Mai performs exceptionally well.
Even though he's just a child, give him plenty of security.
"If all else fails, you can find a reason to curse Xiao Jiang a couple of times in Chongqing dialect. It'll be good for the show, at least it'll make the audience remember you and not forget you after watching," Zhao Jinmai added.
Tian Xiwei shook her head repeatedly.
In private, she might say a few harsh words to Jiang Yang or bicker with him, but that was about it.
She couldn't bear to treat him like that on the show.
Jiang Yang might not mind on the show, but he'll remember it and ask for mugwort after the show.
Once you've had the first time, there will definitely be many more.
It's not just about growing strawberries, it's about cupping therapy.
Tian Xi looked at Jiang Yang and realized that Jiang Yang had been glancing in her direction the whole time.
He didn't say anything, just nodded to her.
Suddenly, I felt at ease. (End of Chapter)