Chapter 87: The Board of Directors

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Spring City, Television Station.

Today, the news of Lin Chuan's return had spread like wildfire within a single morning; everyone was both nervous and full of anticipation.

Lin Chuan, the most talented rising singer in China at present, not only brought popularity to the television station, but even the staff felt a sense of pride on their faces.

News anchor Fan Li had been busy in the lounge since her morning show ended. With Lin Chuan returning, she was undoubtedly the most anxious and excited among them.

When she first came to the station, she was merely an unknown intern, her daily tasks consisting solely of serving the station's leading lady, Shen Hong.

But everything changed once Lin Chuan became chairman, and Fan Li’s life transformed accordingly.

She stepped out from her intern status to the forefront, bearing the main responsibilities of the news department. The station's news programs now garnered widespread praise, with her contributions being indispensable.

Towards Lin Chuan, she felt immense gratitude, though beneath that, there seemed to be a vague, indescribable sentiment.

Noon.

No one in the station went for lunch; instead, they gathered at the entrance, scanning both sides constantly. Each passing car made them tense.

“Fan Li, didn’t they say the chairman would arrive at noon? Why hasn’t he shown up yet?” A bespectacled woman spoke anxiously.

“Exactly, lunch break is almost over and still no sign of the chairman.” Another nodded in agreement.

“Aren’t you all just hungry? Why don’t you go eat first, I’ll wait a bit longer.” Fan Li smiled at her colleagues.

“Ah? That wouldn’t be good. If the chairman arrives and finds we didn’t welcome him…” The woman who spoke earlier shivered at the memory of Lin Chuan’s mass layoffs and felt a chill.

“Fan, I’ll wait with you. I want to ask the chairman for an autograph,” said a young man, barely twenty.

At this, Fan Li and the others burst out laughing. Especially the bespectacled woman, who shivered and said, “Du, don’t say I didn’t warn you—if you want the chairman’s autograph, you’d better be ready to pack up and go home.”

“Huh? Li, what do you mean?” The young man was confused, unaware of the station’s previous layoffs and knowing little about the talented chairman, seeing him merely as an occasional guest.

While they chatted, a red sports car suddenly appeared. At first, no one paid much attention—Lin Chuan was a man, after all; how could he drive a red sports car? Too feminine, absolutely impossible.

But when the car stopped before them, everyone was stunned.

A handsome man with a sparse beard stepped out, holding a five-year-old boy in his arms. On the other side, a strikingly beautiful, mature woman also alighted.

“Xiao Chuan, I won’t go in with you. Call me if you need anything… Oh, and tell Yuan Ye that once I’m done here, I’ll come find him…” The older cousin raised her eyebrows.

“Ah!” For some reason, as Lin Chuan heard this, he felt a chill run down his back.

His cousin had left a deep impression on him in the past. Though she seemed much changed and matured upon meeting again, she still sent shivers down his spine.

He shook his head vigorously and sighed. It seemed Yuan Ye’s good days were about to end.

As the sports car drove away, Fan Li led the station staff in swarming around.

“Chairman Lin, you’re back!”

“Chairman, I love your songs, I’m a fan!”

“Chairman, I’m Du Mo, a new employee. Could I have your autograph?”

This—where was the formality for welcoming a leader? It had turned into a fan meeting.

Lin Chuan frowned, scanning the crowd and noticing Yuan Ye and the old man were absent. He asked, “Where’s Director Yuan?”

“Brother Chuan, the old director is out, Yuan Ye’s upstairs in the conference room, entertaining the other board members,” Fan Li quickly replied.

Lin Chuan glanced at the anchor he had personally promoted and saw she had changed much since the beginning. Her makeup was heavy, her clothes more mature; at least she no longer looked like a fresh graduate.

However, maturity isn’t just about clothes—it’s a temperament forged through time and experience.

Lin Chuan did not comment on her attire, only said mildly, “Have the other board members arrived?”

“Yes, they’ve been here for two hours,” Fan Li nodded, feeling a bit disappointed.

She had dressed so carefully today, yet Lin Chuan hadn’t spared her a second glance.

“In that case, help me look after the child. I’ll head up to check in—let the others disperse.” Lin Chuan nodded.

With the old man absent, he couldn’t bring his son to the conference room, so he had to trouble Fan Li with the task.

Fan Li was naturally delighted—looking after Lin Chuan’s child was a privilege few could enjoy.

Seeing her readily agree, Lin Chuan gave his son a few instructions before heading into the station.

Meanwhile, in the conference room.

Across from Yuan Ye sat four people: a sharp-looking middle-aged woman with a frosty expression, two middle-aged men—one gentle and refined, the other stocky, bald, and fierce-looking, with an alluring woman beside him, none other than Shen Hong, the station’s former leading lady recently dismissed by Lin Chuan.

The atmosphere was tense; Yuan Ye’s face was grim.

Lin Chuan’s proposed matchmaking show had the station’s utmost attention, and the old director fully approved.

So far, no such program existed nationwide. Although “matchmaking” sounded old-fashioned, in today’s information-rich age, it hadn’t completely faded.

Especially with Lin Chuan’s creative ideas for the show, many found it refreshing. If the program truly launched, the ratings would surely not disappoint.

Yet, there was both support and opposition.

Though Lin Chuan was the station’s major shareholder, some decisions required consultation with other board members—despite their rare appearances.

“Yuan Ye, you’re saying this ‘If You Are the One’ concept was suggested by Chairman Lin?” The bald man tossed his materials onto the table, half-smiling.

“That’s right. The station finds the idea creative. If the board agrees, perhaps we could…” Yuan Ye smiled lightly.

“Ha, I don’t think much of it. In this day and age, who gets married through matchmaking? Too old-fashioned. I don’t support it.” Before Yuan Ye could finish, the bald man cut him off.

Yuan Ye’s face darkened.

“Why hasn’t Chairman Lin arrived? Wasn’t he supposed to return at noon?” The middle-aged woman, who had remained silent, spoke.

“Uh… He should be here soon, probably on the way now,” Yuan Ye quickly explained.

“Ha, still on the way? Yuan Ye, are you playing us? It’s midday, we’ve been waiting for him, but where is he? He isn’t hungry, but we certainly are…” The bald man sneered.

“Exactly. Maybe he isn’t coming at all. He’s not just this small station’s chairman, but a popular singer as well. If it were me, I wouldn’t bother with such matters!” Shen Hong chimed in coquettishly.

“Hahaha… Yuan Ye, how about this: let Shen Hong return as a news anchor, and I’ll consider approving this show…” The bald man laughed.

Yuan Ye frowned, glaring at the bald man and Shen Hong’s smug faces, wishing he could unleash a flurry of blows—but it was just a fantasy.

Just then, the conference room door swung open, and Lin Chuan walked in with a bright smile, saying, “Sorry to have kept you waiting… Oh! Isn’t this Miss Shen? Did I walk into the wrong room—isn’t this a board meeting?”

Lin Chuan’s sudden arrival startled everyone. Especially Shen Hong, who still harbored resentment over her dismissal; her face flushed in anger, she snorted coldly and turned away.

Lin Chuan’s words also embarrassed the other three board members. Board meetings were strictly attended by relevant personnel—no outsiders allowed. Clearly, Shen Hong was the superfluous guest.

Yuan Ye quickly stood up, relieved at Lin Chuan’s arrival, and moved forward with a smile, “Chairman Lin, allow me to introduce—”

“No need, I’ve heard of your reputations. If I’m not mistaken, this must be Director Zhu of Tianpeng Group? Hello!” Lin Chuan smiled calmly at the bald man.

The bald man sneered, neither greeting nor standing.

However, the refined middle-aged man beside him forced a smile, stood slowly, and said, “Chairman Lin, I am—”

“Director Liu, I know you. No need for introductions, please sit.” Lin Chuan waved his hand, leaving the refined man somewhat embarrassed.

With the board members silent, Lin Chuan took the materials from the table, glanced through them, and said, “Directors, I’ve called you here today to discuss the ‘If You Are the One’ program. Please share your thoughts… Oh, and unless something unexpected happens, the show will officially launch tomorrow.”

At these words, the directors exchanged glances. Was this a discussion? Was he soliciting suggestions? Nonsense—he’d already made the decision; they were merely being informed.