Chapter 10: Since That’s the Case, Let’s Start Spending Money!

The original owner had negotiated with the show’s production team to get a 200,000 yuan Character fee.

Normally for reality shows, while guest appearance fees are paid after recording, character fees are given in advance.

Especially for unpopular or undesirable character roles, the finance department processes the payment quickly, fearing the person might back out.

Yan Yueqing recalled from her memories: “Isn’t this an unwritten rule in the industry? I’ve recorded four episodes, yet there’s no sign of this payment in my account. Could someone be meddling behind the scenes?”

Li Manman’s face stiffened slightly: “What nonsense are you talking about?!”

Yan Yueqing glanced at her coldly.

Li Manman was an artist signed by Zhongxing a few years ago, with connections to Director Yang. She became a focus of cultivation as soon as she joined the company.

Unfortunately, despite investing considerable resources, she never became popular. This year, her manager specifically arranged for her to join this show, even bringing in Yan Yueqing as a foil, hoping to boost her popularity once more!

However, Li Manman, for some unknown reason, decided to use her influence in the company to have the finance department withhold the character fee.

This was done extremely discreetly!

But judging from Yan Yueqing’s expression, she clearly knew everything!

“Nonsense!” Li Manman snorted. “Without any proof, don’t make baseless accusations!”

Seeing her denial, Yan Yueqing shrugged: “Well, I didn’t sign a contract for the character fee with the production team either. If the money hasn’t arrived, why should you care about what I do on the show?”

“You!” Li Manman gritted her teeth, “You’re nothing but a scoundrel! I’d like to see which show would dare to have you in the future!”

“The production team doesn’t care about such things,” Yan Yueqing curled her lips, hitting the nail on the head, “They just want the show to be popular and have high ratings.”

This year, there were many parent-child variety shows in the market, making the competition fierce. Zhongxing launching ‘National Parents’ at this time was nothing more than a strategic move to stabilize their market position, while promoting new talents was merely a secondary goal.

If anything, between promoting new talents and making the show popular, the latter would always take precedence!

This was also why, although the show initially promoted Li Manman, it was Qin Youran who ultimately rose to fame.

What could they do? A dark horse had emerged!

It was all about being number one in the ratings!

“So, you want a piece of the pie too?” Li Manman asked, her brow furrowed.

“Well, I have a son to raise, and I need money!”Yan Yueqing said straightforwardly, “We agreed on 200,000 for being a foil, but I’ve recorded up to the fourth episode and haven’t seen a penny. Naturally, I have to find a way out for myself, right?”

“Stop talking nonsense!” Li Manman snarled, “I’ll have the finance department transfer the money to you tonight, you—”

“No need!” Yan Yueqing quickly raised her hand to stop her, “Compared to that 200,000, I think becoming popular and earning more money is better! Thanks for your obstruction though.”

“Yan. Yue. Qing!” Li Manman gritted her teeth, her eyes nearly spitting fire.

Yan Yueqing smiled sweetly: “Don’t shout so loudly. If someone secretly records this, it might damage your image! Keep smiling!” After a pause, she added, infuriatingly, “By the way, thanks for the reminder. I don’t think I’ve ever prepared gifts for the staff. I’ll go buy some now!”

With that, avoiding Li Manman’s nearly green face, she called out, “Tang Tang, have you finished choosing? Let’s go.”

“Okay!” Tang Tang replied.

After packing up their things, Tang Tang noticed Yan Yueqing’s barely contained smile and curiously asked, “Sister Yueqing, what’s making you so happy?”

How could she not be happy?!

Li Manman’s words gave her an idea!

She finally found a perfect opportunity to spend some money!

Yan Yueqing said mysteriously: “Tang Tang, let’s go buy gifts for the hardworking uncles and aunties on the crew, okay?”

“Sure!”

With the little ones’s enthusiastic reply, Yan Yueqing led her into the luxury shopping area on the sixth floor.