CHAPTER 352: CHAPTER 234: REPLACE GUO JINGMING

Everyone knew that she meant it, she was just such a low-key person, dressed plainly, never showing off, not ostentatious, and quietly contributed. Gu Bai had no feelings for most celebrities in the entertainment circle, but he respected only stars like Han Hong and Gu Tianle, adding the title of ’teacher’ when addressing them.

Han Hong stood up and said to Yan Shen, "First of all, I would like to thank you on behalf of those impoverished students. I believe the show will fulfill your wish."

Secondly, I personally am very fond of this painting and would like to purchase it. I’m not sure if you’re willing?"

Yan Shen waved her hand and said, "If you like this painting, Teacher Han Hong, I’ll give it to you directly, without accepting any money..."

"No, this painting not only includes me and the other three teachers but also represents your kindness to impoverished students. Although talking about money is vulgar, at this point, I can only measure its value with money."

Yan Shen hesitated for a long time and weakly said to Han Hong, "How about this, let’s say I sold you the painting... but please don’t give the money to me. I know Teacher Han Hong has a charity foundation, please donate the money directly."

Yan Shen knew that if she really sold the painting to Han Hong, her goal to attract more attention to charity might not be achieved, and there would be many people criticizing her, so this was the most appropriate way to handle it.

Han Hong was taken aback for a moment, but immediately understood that although she initially meant well, her actions could have pushed this young girl into trouble, so she gave Yan Shen an apologetic look, and then publicly gave her a thumbs up.

"Since you said so, then I will donate 100,000 in your name as the payment for this painting!"

Just as Han Hong finished speaking, Ni Ping, sitting beside her, retorted with her unique voice, "Han Hong, remember you’re not the only one in the painting, right? I want it too, what should I do?"

Cai Tongqing chimed in, "That’s right, such a good deed can’t just be left to you alone."

Han Hong, knowing that they were both doing this for the show’s effect, retorted, "But I paid for it, you were a step too late, how can you blame me?"

Cai Tongqing said, "But you haven’t donated the money yet, which means it hasn’t been sold yet. I’ve also decided to donate 100,000 in Yan Shen’s name!"

"I’ll donate 100,000 as well."

Ni Ping said slowly.

On stage, Meng Fei, watching the three judges in disarray, interjected suddenly, "Did you three forget about me? I say, stop arguing, the four of us, each donate 100,000, a total of 400,000, to collectively buy this painting. Then throughout the year, we each take turns having this painting hung at our homes for three months!"

The painting, of course, wasn’t worth 400,000, but their interaction indeed showed Yan Shen the utmost respect.

Yan Shen bowed, "Thank you, teachers."

The group stopped arguing, and Han Hong said to Yan Shen, "No need to thank us, thank yourself. This 400,000 is donated by you, not by us. You moved us with your talent and compassion. I hope you continue on the path of charity, using your abilities to help more people in need."

Yan Shen respectfully bowed to them again in farewell.

Then she slowly left the stage.

After Yan Shen left the stage, Han Hong turned to Guo Jingming and said, "I hope Teacher Guo can restrain your temper a bit in the future, and look at things more rationally. If we had all turned off the light like you did just now, we wouldn’t have enjoyed such a wonderful performance and couldn’t have helped 655 impoverished students."

To be able to say this while the show was still being recorded, it showed that Han Hong couldn’t suppress her anger any longer.

In general, when two judges start arguing, the other two should step in to mediate, but this time, Cai Tongqing and Ni Ping sat quietly, minding their own business without saying a word.

Guo Jingming was extremely embarrassed by Han Hong’s words. Yet, he knew that with this reversal, once the show airs, there will definitely be public opinion about this matter. However, as for publicly apologizing to Yan Shen, that was absolutely out of the question. Even for previous plagiarism accusations, even when they succeeded in suing him, he only apologized due to public pressure after more than a decade. But now, in front of Han Hong, he didn’t dare to be too arrogant and could only force a smile.

"I admit my actions were too aggressive just now, and I will correct myself going forward. Although Yan Shen’s charitable acts moved me, my opinion remains unchanged. These two issues cannot be conflated.

Just because she is enthusiastic about charity doesn’t erase her disrespect towards us judges and the audience just now."

However, this time no one echoed him, and a series of boos could be heard from behind.

Guo Jingming’s face, which had been somewhat composed, couldn’t hold up anymore upon hearing the boos.

Yet, when Han Hong heard that he was still shifting the concept and defaming Yan Shen, she directly stood up and angrily rebuked, "Respect? Can you tell me where Yan Shen’s actions just now showed any disrespect towards us?

Teacher Meng Fei has already explained that the program allows contestants not to reveal their appearance externally. Yan Shen has her unspeakable reasons for not wanting to show her face! I didn’t see her disrespect towards us, only Guo Jingming’s disrespectful attitude towards others! In other words, if Yan Shen had an allergic disease and couldn’t take off her mask, would she need to explain herself to you first to show respect?

What an authority you have, Guo Jingming!"

After Han Hong’s rebuke, all the audience behind applauded and cheered.

The program director of Sujiang TV backstage saw this situation and nearly clapped as well. The conflict between Han Hong and Guo Jingming, along with a more exaggerated headline, could potentially boost the ratings for ’Talent Stage’ once it aired.

Guo Jingming’s face darkened as he said, "No matter what you all think, I believe that by not taking off her mask in front of the public, she is being disrespectful! And I turned off her light, exercising my judging authority without needing to explain to anyone!"

Guo Jingming, having lost such a big face in public, was even less likely to apologize, and his words became more aggressive.

Meng Fei knew that if they kept arguing, it wouldn’t be a highlight anymore but a broadcasting accident, so he mediated, reminding both to be aware they were in the middle of a program.

Han Hong and Guo Jingming adjusted their emotions a bit, and the program continued.

Gu Bai had been sitting at the back watching this farce, never saying a word, but Li Zhun noticed the dangerous look in his eyes nearly turning into slits, which gave him quite a fright.

Suddenly, Gu Bai stood up, patted Li Zhun on the shoulder, and the dangerous expression on his face disappeared.

"Since Yan Shen’s performance is over, I’ll go backstage to meet her. See you at the hotel tonight."

Li Zhun grabbed Gu Bai’s arm and said, "Eldest Young Master Gu, give me an honest answer. What are you planning? Our group spent a lot of money sponsoring this program, don’t mess it up and ruin it!"

Gu Bai chuckled softly, "Nothing so serious. But you better let the Sujiang TV heads replace Guo Jingming soon; he’ll have to be replaced eventually."

After that, he broke free from Li Zhun’s grip, patted his shoulder once more, and left.

Seeing Gu Bai leave, Li Zhun lost interest in watching the program, also left the studio, and went directly to the management office of Sujiang TV.

The other audience members sitting next to Gu Bai and Li Zhun were also puzzled.

If they were boasting, it sure seemed believable.

The show continued, and they ceased to dwell on their confusion and watched the program.