CHAPTER 504: CHAPTER 504 LOWER YOUR STANCE

Chen Bin looked at everyone and spoke calmly.

"The ratings for our station are generally low, but this year we had two instances of high viewership. Does anyone know which two events I’m referring to?"

Jiao Jikai and the others naturally knew the answer, but they stayed silent.

Shen Xue saw this and smiled as she answered.

"It’s the Spring Festival Gala and the evening show from a few days ago."

Chen Bin nodded slightly, "Correct. Now, Director Shen, do you know which programs during those events had the highest ratings?"

"The singing performances by celebrities."

"Exactly! That’s why I believe we should focus on developing entertainment programs."

As soon as these words came out, everyone appeared somewhat surprised.

Chen Bin continued, "Through these two experiments, it’s clear that entertainment programs attract much more public attention. If we seize the opportunity and choose the right direction for development, we can definitely boost our ratings."

The reason he dared to say this was because he had experienced the benefits of high ratings during the two events.

Moreover, Niu Kuipeng’s insight had been highly important to him.

However, just as Chen Bin finished speaking, Jiao Jikai was the first to voice opposition.

"I disagree! The primary mission of our provincial TV station is to serve the Party and government. If entertainment becomes the main focus of development, it completely goes against the original purpose of the TV station!"

Chen Bin looked directly at him and responded with a smile.

"I’ve made it very clear just now that developing entertainment and serving the Party and government do not conflict. If Old Jiao’s thinking can’t keep up, it’s understandable given his age. But if he insists on being stubborn, that’s on him."

Upon hearing this, Jiao Jikai looked like a cat whose tail had been stepped on—his entire demeanor was furious.

"I was already working at the TV station when you were still in diapers, and now you’re lecturing me? Just because you’ve organized two shows, you think you’re hot stuff. When it comes to managing the station, you’re nothing!"

Many people knew that Jiao Jikai had offended leadership back in the day, which was why he never got promoted to director.

Unexpectedly, so many years later, his fiery temper remained unchanged.

Fan Sheng saw the tension and, in an attempt to prevent the two from escalating into a full-blown argument, offered his opinion.

"I think the idea of entertainment-first is overly bold and carries too many unpredictable risks. By comparison, focusing on news as the backbone of the station is more reasonable."

Chen Bin frowned faintly and turned his head to look at Fan Sheng.

But the latter avoided eye contact, letting his gaze wander elsewhere.

Chen Bin could only pose the question to the rest of the group: "What do you all think? Is entertainment-first or news-first better?"

Shen Xue spoke up first, "I support Director Chen’s view! Increasing entertainment programming can boost ratings and create significant economic benefits. Our station owes quite a bit to the bank, so we must think about ways to generate revenue."

As the wife of the former provincial governor Feng Huzhou, Shen Xue naturally spoke without much concern.

But the others were different, torn between the newly appointed leader and the three veteran deputy directors.

Neither side could afford to be offended.

Ultimately, no one dared to step into the conversation.

Seeing the mood grow cold, Chen Bin decided not to press further and instead concluded.

"The future direction of the TV station is a significant matter; it’s normal to have differing opinions. Regardless of our views, we’re all working toward the station’s betterment. Let’s leave it here for now—meeting adjourned!"

With these words, Chen Bin smiled as he tidied up his folder and stood to leave.

But as soon as he walked out of the conference room, his expression turned ice-cold.

In truth, this outcome was something Chen Bin had anticipated.

He knew that his recent article in the provincial newspaper had hit a nerve for many.

Additionally, as only the acting director, there would naturally be people unwilling to accept him.

However, what surprised Chen Bin was Jiao Jikai daring to argue with him so publicly.

Even more unexpected was Fan Sheng also standing in opposition.

Apparently, Fan Sheng was less than happy about Chen Bin’s ascension to the directorial post.

Having three deputy directors oppose him simultaneously was a significant obstacle for Chen Bin to establish authority within the station.

To truly take control of the provincial TV station, he would first need to deal with these three deputies.

Returning to his office, Chen Bin booked a private room at the Yanxi Hotel.

He then individually called all three deputies to invite them to dinner that evening.

Fan Sheng claimed that something urgent had come up at home and declined.

Both Jiao Jikai and Xiang Chengkang stated that they were working on pressing matters and would respond after finishing their tasks.

After hanging up, Xiang Chengkang immediately went to Jiao Jikai’s office.

"Did Chen Bin just call you?"

Jiao Jikai exhaled a puff of smoke and spoke indifferently.

"If he called you, do you think he wouldn’t call me?"

"So what do you think?"

"Likely, he’s trying to show goodwill and build bridges with us."

"Then we shouldn’t go, right? As long as he stays in the director’s seat, we won’t support him."

Taking a deep drag of his cigarette, Jiao Jikai said dismissively.

"When someone invites you to dinner, you go."

"But taking favors comes with obligations..."

"That’s for other people. When it comes to Chen Bin, we don’t need to care about such things."

"True enough."

With that, Xiang Chengkang casually grabbed a pack of cigarettes from the table and stuffed it into his pocket.

"Old Jiao, your smokes are always the best. This pack’s almost empty; why not let me take it?"

Jiao Jikai grunted in response without speaking.

But there was a trace of contempt in his eyes.

As the workday was nearing its end, Jiao Jikai and Xiang Chengkang called Chen Bin, saying they could make it.

Upon hearing this, Chen Bin arrived at the restaurant early, preparing everything before welcoming them into the private room.

Once the food and drinks were served, he immediately stood, holding the wine bottle to pour for them.

"I’ve wanted to invite the two of you to dinner for a long time, but never found the right opportunity. I’m truly grateful that you’ve spared me the honor tonight."

With that, he drained his glass in one gulp.

Jiao Jikai and Xiang Chengkang exchanged glances, sitting comfortably like elders as they accepted Chen Bin’s toast.

During the conversation, the three tacitly avoided mentioning the meeting, instead steering focus toward Lan Hui.

Perhaps feeling suppressed for too long, Jiao Jikai and Xiang Chengkang divulged plenty of shady anecdotes about her.

Chen Bin stood again to refill their glasses.

"This second glass of wine is for the two esteemed senior colleagues. You both have so many admirable qualities for me to learn from. Please teach me as much as you can."

After downing it, Chen Bin continued speaking effusively, showering them with praise.

Jiao Jikai and Xiang Chengkang were visibly pleased, basking in the compliments.

As the dinner neared its conclusion, Chen Bin proposed a third toast.

"Although I’m only the acting director now, my experience and stature are far beneath yours. You’re practically like uncles to me. Please allow me to toast once more!"

To appease them, Chen Bin had put himself in as low a position as possible.

A few days later, however, he received a call from Xiao Cong, the provincial propaganda minister, summoning him.

Upon arriving at Xiao Cong’s office, the minister wasted no words and handed Chen Bin a stack of papers.

"Don’t say anything yet. Take a look at what this is!"