The meeting that followed quickly shifted focus to the detailed and innovative proposal Su Ning had presented. While some found Su Ning’s transformation puzzling, most chalked it up to something more mundane. Like Chen Tao, they assumed it was the product of dire circumstances or Su Ning finally taking things seriously after hitting rock bottom. After all, the idea of someone “switching cores” was too fantastical for anyone to entertain.

Su Ning’s reputation as a wastrel had long been established—an image reinforced by his absenteeism and wild behavior. His uncle, Su Hongda, had only moved to Hai Cheng from the coal mines two years ago and hadn’t known him well before that. The general consensus had always been that Su Ning was useless. Now, seeing his commanding presence at the meeting, some couldn’t help but question if the rumors about him had been exaggerated or misunderstood.

Chen Yuan, who had been skeptical of Su Ning before, now appeared openly pleased after reviewing his proposal. Her attitude had shifted dramatically, and since most of Orange Video’s decisions followed her lead, no objections were raised. For her, as long as Shen Mingzheng’s concerns were addressed and the program benefited, there was no reason not to support Su Ning.

Even Shen Mingzheng, who had no obligation to accommodate Su Ning, found himself unable to refute the proposal. Rationally, from the perspective of the program’s success, there was no flaw to pick apart. The document was airtight.

He glanced at Su Ning, who stood at the center of the meeting, effortlessly commanding the room. It was as though Su Ning had been born for this role, wielding authority with an ease that seemed practiced. Shen Mingzheng couldn’t help but wonder if this person had truly changed overnight.

It was intriguing. Almost amusing.

Perhaps this shift in Su Ning wasn’t just a coincidence—some kind of karmic punishment or twist of fate had brought about this transformation.

Since his own rebirth, Shen Mingzheng had viewed the world through a lens of rot and decay, his disdain for its flaws growing with each passing day. Yet here, unexpectedly, he saw something new—a variable he had never encountered before. Like a seedling sprouting from the mud, Su Ning’s emergence was a breath of fresh air.

But the path for this “seedling” was far from smooth.

Even with Chen Yuan’s approval, discord lingered in the meeting.

Unsurprisingly, Su Hongda voiced his dissatisfaction. “It’s fine to revise the competition format, but I’ve always worked well with Director Chen. Now that Su Ning’s stepping in, I don’t think it’s appropriate. Why not let me handle it instead…”

Before he could finish, Su Ning tapped the table with his PPT remote, cutting him off. “Uncle Su, I developed this proposal myself. There’s no one here who understands Idol Star Map better than I do. Since I caused this mess, I’ll handle it. Why wouldn’t it be appropriate?”

Chen Yuan glanced at Su Ning, then bluntly interjected, “President Su, I wouldn’t say our collaboration has been that pleasant in the past.”

Having likely heard from her assistant director about Su Hongda’s attempts to manipulate votes, she wasn’t inclined to show him any goodwill.

Though silenced for the moment, Su Hongda wasn’t the only one unwilling to yield.

The company’s other power-hungry board members, led by the lean and shrewd Director Ma Yima, also refused to back down. Ma Yima, known for his cunning and opportunism, had kept his head down when trouble brewed but was quick to resurface now that success seemed imminent. His small eyes gleamed as he seized the opportunity to speak.

“President Su, no offense, but your lack of experience is exactly what caused these problems. You must take responsibility.”

He glanced at Su Ning. “Young people like Su Ning lack the experience needed for such a major responsibility. Let me handle this—I have experience with variety show production.”

Before Ma Yima could finish, Su Hongda slammed the table and stood. “You shameless old bastard!”

One insult led to another, and soon the meeting dissolved into chaos. Everyone started shouting over each other, each argument escalating. As an outsider, Shen Mingzheng refrained from intervening, but even he couldn’t believe the scene unfolding before him.

Finally, Chen Yuan slammed her hand on the table and yelled, “Enough!”

The room fell silent. Chen Yuan, with her authority as the program director, decisively ended the dispute.

“I have no objections to Su Ning’s plan for revising the competition format,” she declared. “However, there’s one condition: if trainees from Qilin Entertainment aren’t participating, the revival round won’t meet my expectations.”

“I’ve hinted at this to Qilin during a phone call earlier, but their style is well-known. They value their reputation too much to easily compromise. It’s not just about profits—they’re unlikely to lower their standards.”

“Guang Ying Entertainment and the program have a contractual partnership. While past tensions can be set aside, moving forward, any collaboration depends on how well this is handled. Whoever secures the participation of Qilin’s trainees will be the one I work with directly. That’s it. Argue all you want, but don’t delay my work.”

Chen Yuan’s standing in the industry allowed her to set such terms. Directors typically bowed to investors, but in her case, the reverse was often true. Her impartiality and fairness left no room for further disputes.

With her decision made, Chen Yuan prepared to leave. She still had plenty of work to do for the program. However, as she passed Su Ning, she gave him a quick, meaningful glance, signaling him to find a chance to speak with her privately.

Su Ning caught her meaning and, after the meeting adjourned, found a quiet spot to meet with her. Shen Mingzheng didn’t leave either, choosing to stay nearby.

“I asked President Shen to stay,” Chen Yuan began, her expression softening. “I thought he might be of help.”

Surprisingly, Shen Mingzheng hadn’t refused her request—an unusual display of cooperation from someone who typically kept his distance.

Chen Yuan continued, her tone candid. “Don’t take what I said earlier to heart. If I hadn’t said something to calm the room, we’d still be going in circles. Guang Ying’s board members are notorious. If you don’t leave them any room to maneuver, they’ll resort to underhanded tactics behind your back.”

She sighed. “It’s astonishing how chaotic such a large company has become. Everyone’s playing their own game. Since Old President Su’s passing, not a single person has supported you.”

Despite her dismay, Chen Yuan acknowledged Su Ning’s capabilities, evident in the meticulous planning he had presented. Helping him resolve the issue privately seemed natural.

“I can help you contact Qilin and even put in a good word for you. But you should know—they’re stubborn and prideful. Be careful how you approach them.”

Su Ning nodded, aware that this would be the most challenging part of the plan.

Curious, Chen Yuan asked, “Don’t you hold 30% of the company’s shares? By rights, you’re a legitimate shareholder. How could Director Ma say you lack an official position in the company? How do they dare speak to you like that?”

Su Ning smiled bitterly. “You see, I don’t actually have control of those shares yet. It’s complicated.”

He explained, “According to my father’s will, the shares are mine in name, but I can’t take possession of them until I fulfill the condition of a marriage alliance.”

“What?” Chen Yuan was stunned.

The late Su Honghui had crafted his will meticulously, knowing his son’s flaws. Fearing Su Ning would squander his inheritance, he tied the transfer of shares and assets to a marriage with the Shen family—a reliable ally in both business and personal matters.

The two families had a deep bond. Su Honghui had literally risked his life for Shen Ting during a fire years ago, cementing their friendship. The marriage was meant to solidify a strategic alliance, ensuring Su Ning’s future and safeguarding the company.

Until the marriage was complete, Su Ning only had limited access to his inheritance. He received small annual allowances, barely enough to cover his expenses.

“Does this mean you have to marry Shen Huai?” Chen Yuan asked hesitantly. Though it wasn’t her place, she felt compelled to caution him. “Even for the shares, you should think carefully about such a decision.”

“Not necessarily,” Su Ning replied with a frown. “The will specifies the heir to Shen Film Industry, not Shen Huai specifically.”

Strictly speaking, even marrying Shen Huai wouldn’t grant Su Ning the inheritance, as Shen Huai wasn’t the official heir yet. The decision ultimately rested with Shen Ting.

Chen Yuan sighed, sensing the complexities of Su Ning’s predicament. She waved it off, urging him to focus on the immediate challenges instead.

Meanwhile, Shen Mingzheng had been listening intently, a thoughtful expression on his face. Only when Chen Yuan addressed him directly did he snap out of his reverie.

“President Shen, do you have any leads on this?” Chen Yuan asked.

“I’ll take him to Qilin Entertainment,” Shen Mingzheng replied. Turning to Su Ning, he added, “Young Master Su, I hope we can work well together.”

Su Ning sensed a deeper meaning in Shen Mingzheng’s words but smiled in response. “Likewise.”

Compared to Shen Huai’s venomous nature, Shen Mingzheng’s straightforward competence was a relief. Su Ning preferred dealing with someone like him.

Before leaving to handle program matters, Chen Yuan asked one final question. “By the way, you mentioned saving a spot for the company. Now that the competition format is set, who are you planning to bring in?”

Before Su Ning could respond, Shen Mingzheng answered for him. “He wants to bring in Li Chu.”

Su Ning smiled. “President Shen knows our company well. Yes, it’s him.”

Chen Yuan’s expression shifted as she recalled the name. “Li Chu, huh? I remember him. Didn’t he have some ties to Qilin Entertainment? I heard he was initially set to sign with them but chose Guang Ying instead. At first, Su Hongda valued him highly. He was even on the original participant list for the show… until…”

She glanced at Su Ning knowingly. “Until he was replaced by you.”

Su Ning was well aware of the backstory.

Guang Ying Entertainment, as a major investor, had the leverage to secure additional participant slots. However, just before the competition, Li Chu had been removed to make room for Su Ning. The decision was driven by Su Ning’s insecurities—Li Chu’s dancing skills outshone his, threatening his chances of debuting.

The company had its reasons too. Su Ning’s popularity was already rising thanks to his looks, making him a safer bet. If the show succeeded, Su Ning’s fame could be leveraged for future projects, ensuring Guang Ying’s long-term interests.

Yet Li Chu had been left in the lurch, his debut delayed repeatedly. His complaints to management had only worsened his situation, leading to cold treatment and further delays.

Reflecting on this, Su Ning spoke with conviction. “I’ve reviewed Li Chu’s profile. He’s hardworking, kind-hearted, and doesn’t hold grudges. It’s our company that owes him this chance, and I plan to make it right.”

At his claim of “not holding grudges,” Su Ning heard a soft laugh from Shen Mingzheng, seated nearby.

Li Chu, not hold grudges? Shen Mingzheng didn’t believe it for a second.

In his previous life, Shen Mingzheng had observed Li Chu’s rise to stardom. Known as a “stage angel” and “born dancer,” Li Chu became a massive sensation under Shen Film Industry, raking in countless profits. Outwardly obedient, Li Chu seemed easily controlled. But beneath the surface, he was anything but.

Li Chu’s tragic end served as proof of his relentless nature. When his beloved sister Zhou Chunqing—a blood relative and the only person he trusted—took her own life under mysterious circumstances tied to Jiang Chenfeng, Li Chu’s mask of obedience shattered.

On a live-streamed charity event, Li Chu had taken a knife and stabbed Jiang Chenfeng to death before the world’s eyes.