Chapter 102: Advertising Bidding

At 9:40 p.m., the first episode of "If You Are the One" concluded, with the ratings ultimately settling at 5.1%. This achievement was not only a historic high for Quancheng Television but also remarkable nationwide—few variety shows could reach such impressive viewership on their own.

At that moment, the entire television station building echoed with cheers and shouts. Everyone was proud—proud of themselves, proud of the station, proud of the show.

But above all, they were proud of their exceptionally talented chairman.

Because of him, the once struggling station had been resurrected against all odds; because of him, this obscure channel had forged a legend.

Beyond that, everyone involved in creating "If You Are the One" was moved to tears.

Yuan Ye was no exception. From the initial planning, preparations, recording of the first episode, to the post-production editing, he had been involved every step of the way.

If anyone deserved the greatest credit, it was him.

At that time, the entire building was still basking in the joyous atmosphere. Yuan Ye, eyes red-rimmed from emotion, walked beside Lin Chuan.

Lin Chuan smiled, expecting some heartfelt words from him. Instead, when Yuan Ye spoke, Lin Chuan nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.

“Xiao Chuan, once we get the advertising fees, buy me a car, will you? It’s getting colder by the day, and I really don’t want to ride my bike to work anymore...”

After the short celebration, led by the bald man, the group headed to Quancheng’s only three-star hotel.

The hotel was lavishly decorated, and the staff was extremely courteous. As they entered, everyone glanced around in awe, occasionally murmuring in amazement. It was their first time dining in such a place, and their excitement was palpable.

The meal lasted until well after midnight. When the bald man frowned, preparing to call his wife, Lin Chuan had already settled the bill.

Upon hearing this, the bald man exhaled deeply—thankfully, the call hadn’t been made yet, or else... Inwardly, he felt a surge of gratitude toward Lin Chuan.

The next morning, when Lin Chuan and Yuan Ye arrived at the station, they found the entire advertising department with dark circles under their eyes—looking as if they hadn’t slept all night.

“It’s good to see you, Chairman, Director Yuan. We pulled an all-nighter last night compiling a list of companies interested in collaborating. In total, there are 63...” Song Gang said, handing over a thick stack of documents.

Lin Chuan and Yuan Ye were stunned.

Taking the documents, Lin Chuan patted Song Gang on the shoulder. “Thank you for your hard work. Go get some rest and get a good night’s sleep.”

“We’re not tired or sleepy, Chairman. Everyone’s thrilled about the station’s success. We can keep going...” Song Gang persisted.

“Enough. Go get some sleep and recharge. We have even more work tomorrow,” Yuan Ye interrupted sternly with a glare.

Song Gang had no choice but to nod wearily and leave.

Watching the energetic young director, Lin Chuan smiled genuinely.

The first episode’s broadcast had shattered records with a 5% plus rating—a nationwide shock.

Almost simultaneously, major news outlets featured "If You Are the One" and Quancheng Television.

As a result, many companies scrambled to place advertisements in the upcoming episodes.

Before, this would have been exciting news—advertising meant revenue, and who could say no to money? But now, with the show’s explosive popularity overnight, viewers flooded calls to inquire about the next episode, expressing great anticipation.

Given this situation, dealing with advertisers required careful selection. Simply put, Quancheng Television had now earned the right to be selective.

“Xiao Chuan, out of these 63 companies, which ones do you want to choose? That Baihui Fashion looks good—they’re offering a handsome advertising fee, and there’s also...” Yuan Ye grinned so broadly his mouth nearly stayed open.

Lin Chuan, sitting behind his desk, tapped the table lightly with his fingers and smiled faintly. “No rush. Have Han Bin and the production team prepare the second episode immediately, and record the third episode tonight.”

“You don’t need to tell me—that’s already arranged,” Yuan Ye nodded.

“Good. Don’t just sit there; it won’t help. Arrange a bidding meeting for advertising tomorrow. The main categories will include program naming rights, sponsorships, bumpers, and commercial breaks... The contracts will be quarterly. Those who don’t win the bid will have to wait for the next quarter.”

“Bidding? That’s smart. Highest bid wins. Okay, I’ll arrange it now.” Yuan Ye smiled widely and started to leave, then paused, turning back. “Who’s going to host the bidding meeting?”

“Who else but you, the director?” Lin Chuan shrugged.

“Then what about you?” Yuan Ye frowned.

“Me? I need to head back to Jingdu. Uncle Gao has been calling relentlessly these past few days, urging me to return,” Lin Chuan sighed softly.

Truth be told, in the month he’d spent at Quancheng Television, Lin Chuan had grown accustomed to life there. Especially during the preparation of "If You Are the One," he had completely forgotten he was a singer, a star in the spotlight.

Last night, when the show achieved such stunning ratings by a wide margin, he felt an unprecedented sense of accomplishment.

This feeling surpassed even his excitement when he won the "One Song to Fame" championship.

Yuan Ye stood frozen for a few seconds, opening his mouth as if to say something but ultimately nodding silently before stepping out.

That evening, when Lin Chuan returned to the Yuan household, he found the elder sitting on the living room sofa, wearing reading glasses, engrossed in the television.

On the screen, a rerun of "If You Are the One" was playing.

“Xiao Chuan, you’re back!” the elder murmured.

“Heh, Uncle Yuan. Where’s Yangyang? Why isn’t he watching with you?” Lin Chuan walked over with a smile.

“Oh, the little guy’s in his room. No idea what he’s up to—hasn’t come out for a while... Oh right, where’s Yuan Ye? Didn’t he come back with you? Where is he off to now?” The elder frowned, his tone serious.

“He’s busy preparing for the bidding meeting at the station tomorrow,” Lin Chuan explained.

“I knew you were the right one to lead the station. There’s hope with you at the helm. That matchmaking show is quite good, and the host has a unique style—interesting indeed,” the elder praised enthusiastically.

“Uncle Yuan, you enjoy the show. I’ll go check on Yangyang,” Lin Chuan smiled and headed toward the bedroom.

At the door, just as he was about to enter, he heard his son’s young voice.

“Sister Xiaoyue, why don’t you come see me? Daddy’s never home, I haven’t seen him for days.”

“Exactly! Every night when I go to sleep, he’s not there. When I wake up, he’s already gone.”

“I didn’t go to kindergarten today. Daddy’s too busy to take me.”

“I’m not crying... I’m a little man—I don’t cry—boohoo...”

Outside the door, Lin Chuan’s eyes gradually moistened.

Indeed, as Lin Yiyang said, Lin Chuan had been working long hours lately, often leaving early and returning late. By the time he came home at midnight, his son was already asleep. In the mornings, he left hurriedly before Yiyang woke.

For over a week, they hadn’t shared a proper meal together. It had been a long time since he’d heard his son sing his slightly off-key but tender rendition of “Father.”

Feeling deeply guilty, Lin Chuan was startled when the door suddenly opened.

There stood Lin Yiyang in a sweater, frozen upon seeing his father.

After a long pause, with a trembling voice, he called out, “Daddy!”

Lin Chuan smiled and scooped up his son, rubbing his scruffy face against the boy’s cheeks. “Son, did you miss Daddy?”

“Heehee, no. I watch TV with Grandpa every day. I don’t think about you,” Yiyang said with a grin.

Lin Chuan’s nose tingled. He knew this was his son’s way of comforting him, afraid that Daddy would worry. The corners of his eyes grew wet again.

“Daddy’s work will be done soon. How about we go home tomorrow?” Lin Chuan asked with a smile.

“Home? That’s great! Finally going home! Can we go to kindergarten and see Sister Xiaoyue?” Yiyang cheered loudly.

“No, we’re not going back to Beining. We’re going to the home in Jingdu... Sister Xiaoyue isn’t at the Beining kindergarten anymore,” Lin Chuan said with a dry laugh.

“Oh!” Yiyang pouted, his smile fading.

That house in Jingdu was not a home to him. There was someone there he disliked—a certain Aunt Gao Meng.

Seeing his son’s mood darken, Lin Chuan quickly changed the subject. “Yiyang, is there something special you want to do? Maybe go to an amusement park, or eat hamburgers?”

“Amusement park? Is it fun? At kindergarten, the other kids said their parents often take them there... but I’ve never been.”

“When we go back, Daddy will take you, okay?”

“Okay! Daddy, I also want to eat hamburgers, and... watch cartoons in a big dark room. The kids at kindergarten say watching cartoons in a dark room is so much fun...”