Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 356 Taking down "Truth or Dare"? The river flows clear, the sound of the waves rem

Chapter 356 Taking down "Tell the Truth"? The river flows clear, the sound of the waves remains the same!
"What's wrong with me? Can't I come?"

"Yes, of course it is."

Zou Tao was taken aback to see that the visitor was Ma Xun, because Dong Qing had specifically asked her to open the door when she knocked earlier.

That girl didn't say it was him, so is this guy coming over to have another big fight with Dong Qing?
Hmph! ...Zou Tao's inner turmoil was naturally beyond words at the moment.

Therefore, her tone became somewhat forceful.

Ma Xun was unusually good-tempered; after all, Sister Tao in front of him was an intellectual beauty whom he hadn't seen for several days.

What's more, we're meeting here.

Before he could say anything more, Dong Qing spoke from the inner room.

"Hey, what are you still standing outside for? Come inside and talk."

That's true, but it also suddenly put Ma Xun and Zou Tao in an awkward position.

Clearly, neither of them is handling this unexpected meeting smoothly or naturally.

Meanwhile, Dong Qing, the one who started this situation, was suppressing a laugh over there.

Ma Xun entered the house, which was fine, while Dong Qing, being rather virtuous, offered some simple snacks and drinks.

Clearly, cooking is still a problem.

Ma Xun naturally didn't mention it; he probably had something to talk about.

"Why did you call me all this way?"

Let's get started on this topic.

But after he said that, Dong Qing's face became even more strained.

What I really think: You rascal, all those flirtatious things you said before you came, are you going to deny them now?

Of course, I can't say that out loud.

Dong Qing adopted the same demeanor he used at the station, smiling and saying, "Since I've invited you, the big boss, this time, of course we need to discuss important matters."

"Something big?" Ma Xun gave a curious look... Just act it out, I can do that too.

Zou Tao then spoke up, "You didn't know that? Don't you know that Xiao Qing is currently competing for the position of host of 'Tell It Like It Is'?"

"Huh? This..." Ma Xun looked surprised.

Zou Tao said even more directly, "Stop pretending, I know what you were planning before."

This made everything clear, so Ma Xun had no choice but to take it seriously.

“I don’t know as much about our stage setup as Sister Tao does. Now that things have progressed to this point, we should let Sister Tao take the lead.”

Humble, too humble.

Zou Tao rolled his eyes at Ma Xun and said, "Don't give me that. You're the one who started this whole thing. Do you think you can just walk away from it now?"

"Of course not, but I'm sure Sister Tao has a foolproof plan. Why don't you tell me so I can broaden my horizons as well?"

Ma Xun's statement wasn't entirely untrue.

The people insiders are definitely more familiar with how they set up the stage.

Moreover, Ma Xun wasn't entirely clear on the current progress of this matter.

As soon as he said that, Dong Qing chimed in.

"Sister Tao, our boss Ma is very busy, so please bear with him and tell him about the current situation."

That made sense, so Zou Tao didn't bother to give him any more dirty looks.

"Let's talk about it. Right now, Teacher Cui is in a very bad state... I think his mental state is not good. Recently, the pressure from public opinion has been increasing. Moreover, we originally planned to have him host the Spring Festival Gala again this year, but now it seems that there is no possibility of that."

I received some information from a certain source that the higher-ups plan to let him rest first, or even go to see a doctor.

However, Teacher Cui is still very stubborn, but there's nothing that can be done about his stubbornness; his condition is already affecting the show.

His show, you know, it's a really, really great show, nationwide... never mind, I won't go into details.

In short, the leadership felt that the program shouldn't be affected, and his personal issues should be addressed first.

In the end, Sister Tao seemed melancholic.

Ma Xun naturally noticed this, and he glanced at Dong Qing, who clearly understood as well.

Indeed, this leader is really acting inhumanely.

The show "Tell It Like It Is" is indeed a flagship program with a huge influence across the country, but it is closely related to Cui Yongyuan.

To put it bluntly, most viewers tuned in to see Cui Yongyuan.

Regardless of whether the show's content is right or wrong, good or bad, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the show belongs solely to Cui Yongyuan.

Now that this has happened, no one from the platform has come out to speak up for Cui Yongyuan. As a result, due to the immense public pressure, Cui Yongyuan himself couldn't handle it, and now they're planning to let him go...

"Discard the donkey after it has served its purpose"... Of course, that's what Ma Xun said.

"When all the birds are gone, the good bow is put away."

Very literary.

Unfortunately, Sister Tao couldn't help but roll her eyes at him again, saying, "What are you lecturing me about? Now is the time for you to put in the work."

Upon hearing this, Ma Xun frowned. "Why should I be the one to do the work?"

His statement is infuriating.

Zou Tao immediately retorted, "Seriously? Didn't you start this whole thing? What were your plans back then? Now it's time to get to work."

That makes sense. Dong Qing was quite cooperative, looking at Ma Xun with eager eyes.

Ma Xun, on the other hand, had a strange expression. "Let's have a good talk about this. How did I start this? It's because I knew a little about the movie 'Cellphone' beforehand, and I analyzed that it might affect our Teacher Cui, right?"
So, I really didn't start this."

What does he mean?
"You don't have any plans, do you?"

Zou Tao stated that he would not tolerate any injustice.

Dong Qing also showed a suspicious look; of course, she was probably acting.

Ma Xun smiled and said, "Yes."

"What's that? Take it out!" Zou Tao was very anxious.

Ma Xun continued with a smile, "Money."

what?
Zou Tao and Dong Qing were both somewhat disappointed.

"Is there any mistake?"

"It's not that simple."

Dong Qing and Zou Tao are now on the same side.

Ma Xun still smiled and said, "Yes, of course I know it's not that simple, but money comes in many forms. For example, it can be exchanged for other resources."

What other resources could he possibly create?
"What exactly are you planning to do?" Zou Tao couldn't hold back any longer.

Ma Xun answered quickly, "I don't know if you've ever watched American stand-up comedy?"

How did we end up talking about the United States?
Actually, Cui Yongyuan's "Tell It Like It Is" is a stand-up comedy show. It's important to understand that the later "stand-up comedy competition" was not a stand-up comedy show at all.

The correct translation for that style would be "American-style stand-up comedy," or more accurately, "one-person (standing) comedy performance."

It's about telling jokes and anecdotes to the audience; it's actually comedic performance.

While stand-up comedy also tells jokes, it also includes a lot of content, such as interactive interviews with guests.

Actually, there are many similar programs in China, such as Cui Yongyuan's "Tell It Like It Is" and Lu Yu's later program.

That said, why did Ma Xun bring up American stand-up comedy?
"Actually, authentic American talk shows all have a special segment where celebrities usually come on the show and interact with the talk show host."

Often, these celebrities actually come on this talk show to promote their new movies or books.

The tone of the promotion was just like watching an advertisement.

You could even say it's outspoken, but it's still in the form of a stand-up comedy show.

For example, Jon Stewart did a very good job.

After Ma Xun said that, Dong Qing and Zou Tao both understood, and they exchanged glances.

"You really dare to dream!" Zou Tao was the first to deny it!
Dong Qing also expressed her opinion, "It doesn't seem like it will work."

Yes, this is just for show.

But Ma Xun was completely unaffected and said bluntly, "What's wrong? Why is there a problem with letting stand-up comedy return to its original format? Besides, we are currently carrying out the cinema system reform in the film industry, and our film industry is climbing out of the mire!"

Shouldn't we help with the setup?

That's a valid point, and although it might seem like moral blackmail, Ma Xun's reasoning is sound.

To put it bluntly, you guys should be responding to the national call to action when you're setting up your own systems!

Zou Tao and Dong Qing were instantly stunned.

Ma Xun's words make a lot of sense. Moreover, if he really uses his connections to do this, such as persuading Han Sanping to also lend his support, then the chances of success are really high.

And in that case...

"You mean, you want Xiaoqing to use this plan?"

Zou Tao now fully understands.

If a flagship program like "Tell It Like It Is" has a problem with its host, then someone needs to fill in.

But who exactly is it? The internal staff of this setup team needs to do a thorough screening.

As for the selection criteria, shouldn't we have some new ideas for this program?
Dong Qing took Ma Xun's idea with him, and it also happened to coincide with our favorable policies this year, which are to vigorously develop the film industry.

In addition, we can also reach many collaborations with China Film Group.

What else...

Dong Qing seemed to have thought of something, "It seems, it seems..."

She thought for a long time but couldn't say anything, which made Zou Tao anxious.

Ma Xun laughed and said, "If I remember correctly, Teacher Cui actually really likes movies."

He definitely didn't misremember!

In fact, the original Cui Yongyuan later created a program called "The Legend of Film".

Ma Xun remembers hearing that program clearly. It mainly talked about old movies, and then there were various scene transitions. Xiao Cui transformed into an actor in the movie and told many detailed stories.

It's really pretty good.

When Ma Xun mentioned that Xiao Cui liked movies, Zou Tao fully understood his plan.

"You mean, this plan is likely to be favored by Professor Cui?"

Ma Xun neither confirmed nor denied it, but added, "I'm speaking from the perspective of my own resources."

Yes, he has plenty of resources in this area!

Even if he didn't, then... how would other production companies manage to create a great publicity campaign and get their films featured on such a prestigious program?!

That's right, once this plan is implemented, once Dong Qing becomes the host of "Tell It Like It Is".

So, to all the big bosses and producers in our domestic entertainment industry, you need to come over and kiss my ass! ...To quote President Trump's famous saying.

Once Ma Xun arrived here, he made no attempt to hide anything.

Moreover, the entire plan has already taken many, many considerations into account.

Given the current policy environment, Cui Yongyuan's personal preferences, Ma Xun's own resources, and even the possibility of him discussing this plan with Han Sanping.

There are many other details... To put it another way, we are aligning ourselves with international standards.

You tell me, am I right?
That's how American talk shows are done; it's an important source of revenue.

Even if we take a step back and say that we don't need to do this kind of 'new film promotion' for every episode, we still don't need to do it every time.

Ma Xun added, "I can also help find many celebrities. For example, if you want Jin Yong to be on the show, that's no problem either."

Yes! It doesn't necessarily have to be about promoting a movie; we can do other things!

That's how it's come to this.

Dong Qing's gaze towards Ma Xun changed... Trust! You're amazing!

Ma Xun was naturally pleased.

Where is Zou Tao?
After thinking about it, Sister Tao felt that this plan was even better, and Ma Xun had actually mentioned it at the beginning.

What he's really good at is money.

The current rumors are that he and Dong Qing are having an affair and may be dating.

So, what are the leader's considerations...? Oh dear!

Zou Tao suddenly stood up. "Looks like I'm the one who's superfluous."

After saying that, he was leaving.

"Sister Tao!" Dong Qing's call came too late.