Chapter 29: Someone Is About to Jump Off the Building

Mr. Liu gave a slight smile, appearing not particularly interested in Lin Chuan’s identity, and shifted his attention to Yuan Ye. “Go ahead—tell me about the concept for your variety show.”

Yuan Ye chuckled politely, “Certainly. Our program is designed around ordinary people showcasing practical skills they’ve mastered in daily life. Contestants will compete, and the most impressive will be selected in the final round. The show is planned as a fifteen-episode series...” As he spoke, he pulled out a stack of documents and offered them forward.

But before he could approach the desk, Mr. Liu raised a hand to stop him. “No need to give me those. Just summarize the content for me, and tell me what I stand to gain if I sponsor you. I can’t just throw money away for nothing, can I?”

“Absolutely, absolutely. If you choose to sponsor our program, we’ll feature your company’s name as the title sponsor, providing extensive publicity...” Yuan Ye launched into an enthusiastic explanation of the show’s highlights and the proposed partnership.

Yet there was one clear shortcoming: Quancheng TV simply didn’t have the resources to invite major celebrities, and that would inevitably drag down the ratings.

Lin Chuan also realized that the show Yuan Ye was describing—“Hidden Masters Among the People”—was remarkably similar to the “Dream Talent Show” he’d seen in his previous life, though their missions were slightly different.

One sought to discover masters hidden among the common folk, revealing extraordinary skills in the midst of ordinary life.
The other aimed to help ordinary people realize their dreams and improve their current circumstances through entertainment.

The biggest difference, however, came down to sponsorship and funding. “Dream Talent Show” had never lacked sponsors—it was flush with cash.

But “Hidden Masters Among the People” was different. While such talent shows weren’t unheard of in this world, they failed to attract much attention, and ratings were always disappointing. As a result, sponsors avoided them like the plague, unwilling to pour money into a bottomless pit.

Ten consecutive years of decline had turned Quancheng TV into a hollow shell—attractive only on the surface. With funding in dire straits, their hunger for a major sponsor’s support was palpable.

Still, Lin Chuan harbored no hope for the man before him, Mr. Liu. This had nothing to do with rumors or hearsay.

The key was that, ever since Lin Chuan and Yuan Ye had entered the office, Mr. Liu had remained seated behind his desk, not even bothering to invite them to sit. The two of them had stood awkwardly for over ten minutes, while Mr. Liu gave no indication of goodwill.

From this alone, it was clear that Mr. Liu had little sincerity about a partnership. He barely concealed his disdain for a small, provincial station like Quancheng TV.

“Mr. Liu, that concludes the general outline of our program. What are your thoughts?” Yuan Ye’s mouth was dry from speaking, and he grew increasingly uneasy at Mr. Liu’s indifferent expression.

After a moment’s silence, Mr. Liu pushed up his glasses and was just about to speak when the office door was knocked upon.

“Come in!” Mr. Liu snapped, impatience in his voice.

A woman in her thirties, dressed in business attire, hurried in. She didn’t even glance at Lin Chuan or Yuan Ye as she passed.

“Mr. Liu, He Peng is here again,” she reported.

“He Peng? Hmph, let him come—just send him away. Do you really need to consult me about such trivial matters?” Mr. Liu’s face darkened, his tone curt.

“But...” The woman flinched, as if there was more she dared not say.

Mr. Liu waved his hand dismissively, unwilling to hear another word. “What is it now? If you can’t even handle minor issues, you might as well pack up and leave. There’s no shortage of people eyeing the Chief Financial Officer’s position.”

“Yes, I understand,” the woman replied, nodding repeatedly as she made her way to the door.

But just as she was about to leave, Lin Chuan heard her sigh softly, a note of helplessness in her voice.

It was clear Mr. Liu’s character left much to be desired.

“Now, where were we?” Mr. Liu’s anger had not yet subsided, and his gaze toward Yuan Ye grew even sharper.

Despite Yuan Ye’s earlier deference, it was only because he hoped to secure sponsorship. Under other circumstances, no matter how powerful Mr. Liu was, he wouldn’t have bothered with him.

Meeting Mr. Liu’s piercing stare, Yuan Ye smiled calmly. “Mr. Liu, I’ve already outlined the show’s process. If you have any concerns, please let me know. Otherwise, I hope we can sign the contract today.”

“Hmm. The show’s concept is good—finding wonder in the ordinary—but it doesn’t really align with our company’s products, does it?” Mr. Liu remarked.

Not aligned? How could that be? Your company sells snacks and drinks, not luxury goods reserved for the elite. Are your products made of gold and silver, only consumed by the upper crust?

Lin Chuan and Yuan Ye both sneered inwardly.

But, in truth, this flimsy excuse was just a convenient pretext. Mr. Liu simply didn’t want to spend money on a low-profile, uncertain show.

“Mr. Liu, I must disagree. I believe once the show airs, your company’s...” Yuan Ye was ready to argue.

“That’s enough, Xiao Yuan. Let’s leave the sponsorship matter here for now. Leave your documents—I’ll discuss it with the other executives at a special meeting. I’m very busy, so I won’t keep you any longer.”

Yuan Ye had hoped for a final chance, but Mr. Liu cut him off and showed them out.

Lin Chuan and Yuan Ye exchanged glances, both seeing a smoldering frustration in the other’s eyes.

Had Mr. Liu not mentioned another meeting, they might not have minded so much. After all, seeking sponsorship often meant facing rejection. Only if your show was a smash hit would sponsors come knocking; otherwise, you had to hustle for every cent.

Yuan Ye had worked at the station for years. Such setbacks didn’t faze him, nor would he lose his temper over a long-winded pitch being turned down.

But since that morning, Mr. Liu had been in meetings—one after another, all morning long. Lin Chuan and Yuan Ye had been stewing in silent fury.

Yet it was still galling to be brushed off with yet another excuse about meetings. Yuan Ye’s composure nearly cracked.

Just as he was about to voice his anger, the office door suddenly burst open, and the woman who had just been scolded ran back in, flustered.

“Mr... Mr. Liu, something’s happened!” she gasped, barely able to catch her breath.

“Nonsense, what could possibly have happened? I see you really don’t want to work here anymore—pack your things and get out. I never want to see you again!” This time, Mr. Liu truly lost his temper, slamming his hand on the desk and firing his CFO on the spot.

The woman seemed unfazed by his words, her face pale as she reported, “Mr. Liu, He Peng is threatening to jump from the roof. The police are here, but they haven’t been able to talk him down...”

“What? You... you useless idiots! Can’t handle the simplest things—why do I even pay you? Take me there, now!” Mr. Liu raged, finally rising from behind his desk.

No wonder he was alarmed. If someone were to jump to their death at his company, the damage to its reputation would be irreparable.

Especially if the journalists got wind of it and sensationalized the story—it would be even harder to control.

Seeing Mr. Liu’s agitation, Lin Chuan and Yuan Ye exchanged a wry smile, but followed him out of the office nonetheless. As satisfying as it was to see Mr. Liu get his comeuppance, a suicide attempt was no joke—it could easily end in tragedy.

They hadn’t gone far when two policemen approached from the opposite direction.

One, in his forties, had a rugged face devoid of expression. He regarded Mr. Liu coldly and asked, “Are you the owner of this company?”

“Y-yes, that’s me, officer. Is He Peng really trying to jump?” Mr. Liu stammered, panic overtaking him.

“Hmph, I should be asking you. What’s your relationship with He Peng? Why would he choose your company as the site for his suicide?” the lead officer asked sternly.

“Officer, I have no personal connection to He Peng. He used to work for me, but was laid off. Maybe he couldn’t come to terms with it and acted out of desperation,” Mr. Liu replied.

The police were no strangers to men like Mr. Liu—his shifty gaze alone betrayed his dishonesty.

But since this wasn’t a criminal case, even if they suspected Mr. Liu was hiding something, they couldn’t press him too hard.

“All right then. Since he was once your employee, you’re coming with us to talk to him. He Peng is extremely agitated, so be careful with your words, understood?” Mr. Liu turned pale as a sheet, his knees nearly buckling.

Seeing the unwavering authority in the officers’ eyes, he nodded reluctantly.

There was no time to lose. The group immediately headed for the rooftop. But after only a few steps, the middle-aged officer turned back and glanced at Lin Chuan and Yuan Ye. “And who are you?”

“We’re...” Yuan Ye looked at Lin Chuan, uncertain how to answer.

“Captain, I know him. He’s Lin Chuan, a contestant on ‘Sing Your Way to Fame,’” the younger officer chimed in, pointing at Lin Chuan.

The older officer shot Lin Chuan a cold look. “A singer?” he asked, then strode off toward the rooftop without another word.

“Come on, let’s follow them,” Yuan Ye urged, grabbing Lin Chuan’s arm and quietly trailing after the group.