Chapter 055: Substitution

The first episode of the show was quickly scheduled for three days later, once the schedules of all the guests had been matched. Song Wan spent three full days in her apartment, familiarizing herself with the script.

On the afternoon of the second day, Gao Xiang took Song Wan, along with Zhou Yaya and the driver, to the hotel booked by the “Upwards, Stars!” production team.

Guo Feng and Wu Jin had already arrived, but the other guests’ schedules couldn’t be aligned, so their rooms remained unoccupied. Nevertheless, they had all promised to arrive before seven o’clock the next morning.

Song Wan paid it no mind; after all, the production team had notified everyone that filming would formally begin at eight the next morning.

The three met briefly, exchanged the news they had gathered, then returned to their own rooms, only emerging again for dinner.

—

“I heard they’ve invited a guest for the first episode?” Song Wan looked at Gao Xiang, puzzled.

From the reality shows Song Wan had watched, she’d never seen one invite guests before the regular cast had made an impression on the audience, thus dividing their attention.

Gao Xiang frowned. “I’m not sure what the production team is up to either. I’ll ask about it when I get a chance.”

Like Song Wan, she’d only been informed after arriving at the hotel that a special guest would appear in the recording tomorrow.

She turned to Song Wan to confirm, “Was there any mention of a guest in the script they sent you?”

Prior to the show, Gao Xiang had done her part; she’d only skimmed the script to check for anything that might deliberately damage Song Wan’s image, and finding none, had no need to study it in detail. Memorizing the script was the artist’s own responsibility.

Song Wan reviewed the script in her mind, even recalling the next two episodes, and shook her head with certainty, “No mention. The later episodes do say there will be one to three guests.”

Gao Xiang’s expression darkened instantly. “I’ll go ask.”

With that, she left the room.

Song Wan thought for a moment and followed her; she was eager to know the truth behind the situation.

Arriving at Director Yang’s room, she unexpectedly found both Wu Jin and Guo Feng’s agents present.

It was clear: no one here was naive.

Director Yang, facing the three, could only give a bitter smile. “It’s not my intention either, but when someone with special status heard about the list of regular guests, she insisted on joining. And since this is just the first episode, the show hasn’t aired yet…”

Everyone present was seasoned; there was nothing they didn’t understand.

“Upwards, Stars!” was licensed from country H. Although in the H version, the regular MCs were fixed as six men and one woman, totaling seven, the show did not start with seven. Because the program had such a long history, Song Wan couldn’t recall the original MC count, but she was certain the female MC was initially invited as a guest, and her strong performance led to her being offered a regular slot.

Now Song Wan was almost sure this “guest” was aiming to replicate the female MC’s path—at least to make the audience believe she became a regular MC that way.

She’d always found it odd that such a promising show would have no one vying for a spot, especially when her own spot was handed to her so easily.

Knowing the real identities of the other guests, she’d had a vague sense that something like this would happen. Now that it had, she wasn’t surprised at all.

Yet Song Wan was utterly unafraid.

Gao Xiang had no patience for the issue and asked sharply, “So how did the guest list leak?”

Indeed. From preparation to filming, there had been zero online publicity, all for the sake of secrecy.

Everyone was confident: with these guests, the show’s ratings would surely soar.

Everyone involved thought so, too.

So the production team had everyone sign confidentiality agreements.

Song Wan and her peers had signed.

Even the agents had signed and hadn’t informed their own companies.

Now the question arose: since the artists hadn’t leaked the guest list, how did this problematic “guest” find out?

Director Yang looked embarrassed, but Gao Xiang remained aggressive, not letting him off easily.

He had no choice but to answer, “This guest… has some ties to the station manager.”

Everyone understood.

Seeing the matter unrelated to her artist, Wu Jin’s agent excused herself and left.

Guo Feng’s agent, remaining out of concern, glanced at Song Wan.

Song Wan noticed and offered him a bright smile, free of any gloom.

He asked, surprised, “You’re not worried?”

Song Wan laughed. “I trust my agent—and my company.”

He glanced at Gao Xiang, relieved on her behalf.

Now it was Director Yang who felt anxious; his profession often involved more dealings with agents than with artists.

Director Yang had never interacted with Gao Xiang directly, but he’d seen colleagues do so.

He still remembered vividly: a colleague nearly ruined the image of one of Gao Xiang’s artists by mistake, and Gao Xiang caught it in time—her colleague was nearly driven to collapse by her.

It was terrifying.

He’d been left with psychological scars.

Now, with Gao Xiang backed by the wealthy Empire Entertainment, she was even more untouchable.

Gao Xiang lived up to expectations, letting out a cold laugh. “Seems your production team isn’t very professional. I think it’s necessary to report this to President Jin. What do you think, Director Yang?”

Director Yang nearly lost his composure.

His expression stiffened, lost for words.

Gao Xiang glanced at him, then turned to Song Wan. “Why are you here?”

Song Wan raised her brows. “If I hadn’t come, I wouldn’t know this was aimed at me.”

“You don’t think I’d tell you?”

“Hearing it firsthand is more impactful, isn’t it?”

Gao Xiang gave her a deadpan look. “Ha. Are you shocked? Any thoughts?”

Song Wan matched her expression. “No shock, no thoughts.”

As she’d told Guo Feng’s agent, with Gao Xiang and the company behind her, what was there to worry about? Who could possibly have a stronger background than Jin Youqian?

Director Yang, hearing their exchange, grew more uneasy.

But with the station manager’s orders, he could only push forward.

Both sides parted in discomfort.

—

Back in the room, Gao Xiang called He Feng and informed him of the situation.

Currently, Song Wan was the company’s sole artist; the entire department revolved around her, so He Feng was… quite idle.

Still, when Gao Xiang called, He Feng couldn’t help but ask, “Don’t tell me you can’t handle this yourself.”

Gao Xiang raised a brow. “But going through the company is faster and more convenient—and saves on favors.”

Favors, after all, become fewer the more you use them. Why use them unnecessarily?

Besides, asking for help takes time and effort; if a problem can be solved quickly, why delay?

He Feng squinted, but agreed the company should handle it.

Gao Xiang had barely put her phone down when Song Wan asked, “Sister Gao, did you call Director He?”

“Yes. The company can resolve it more quickly and safely.” Gao Xiang was candid.

Song Wan nodded; as long as the matter was resolved, that was enough.

Even if she hadn’t wanted to be on the show initially, now that the spot was hers, there was no chance of anyone taking it from her.

But the matter didn’t end there.

Gao Xiang suddenly asked, “Do you have any artist friends who’d like to appear on a variety show?”

Song Wan was puzzled, looking at her, “I do.”

“Hua Yu?”

Song Wan paused. Truthfully, although she’d spent the most time and had the happiest relationship with Hua Yu after her rebirth, the first person who came to mind wasn’t her.

But she didn’t object, and nodded.

Gao Xiang frowned, dismissing the suggestion. “Hua Yu won’t do. Her status is far above yours; it might even overshadow your own position.”

Even if not intentional, compared to Song Wan standing with the other six, and then Hua Yu among them—even though Song Wan was younger and prettier—when it came to achievements and status, Hua Yu was far better suited.

No one would believe Song Wan was an MC.

Song Wan’s eyes flashed; she tentatively suggested, “What about Ji Youning?”

Ji Youning was actually the first person Song Wan had thought of when Gao Xiang asked—simply because she was closer to Ji Youning.

Gao Xiang was puzzled. “Ji Youning? That third-tier singer?”

Song Wan nodded. “That’s her.”

Gao Xiang didn’t ask how Song Wan knew Ji Youning; since Song Wan admitted she was a “friend,” Gao Xiang didn’t delve further.

After considering Ji Youning’s background, Gao Xiang nodded. “She’s not as pretty or as shapely as you, doesn’t have your popularity, and since she’s never been famous, her fan base is small… she’s perfect.”

Song Wan lowered her gaze, hiding her guilt.

Gao Xiang didn’t notice, and double-checked, “Are you sure?”

After a pause, she added, “Even if the company blocks the guest from replacing you, her appearance as a guest can’t be changed, but Director He isn’t the type to accept a loss, so…”

Song Wan looked up, unsurprised. “So he’ll ask for a guest slot from the production team.”

Again: the company had no other artists at present, so they’d likely ask Song Wan for recommendations first.

If not, they’d use the slot as a favor.

Song Wan had already guessed this when Gao Xiang called He Feng, which was why she wanted to give the slot to Ji Youning—

Ji Youning had great potential, but had been held back by Song Wan’s misfortune. Now, given the chance, Song Wan naturally wanted to make amends.

Seeing her resolve, Gao Xiang was curious about their relationship, but didn’t press further.

Sure enough, shortly after, He Feng called Gao Xiang, asking if Song Wan had any guest recommendations.

Gao Xiang gave him the answer directly: “Third-tier singer from Jingfeng Entertainment, Ji Youning.”

He Feng thought for a moment, found the choice suitable, and hung up.

Gao Xiang looked at Song Wan. “Tomorrow’s the recording. Rest early.”