Chapter 182: Tensions Rise in the World of Ace Mediation

Leader, this is our new episode of ‘Ace Mediation’! You can check out the buzz online!

He Ruozhou rubbed his brow in exasperation.

As one of the station’s main leaders, they can’t monitor every program. The channel editors and program directors are responsible for that.

“A new episode?”

Cui Fangshan quickly pounded away at his keyboard; soon his brows knitted together.

“What’s going on with Wang Xiaobin? Not long ago, Li Ying’s remarks stirred a huge uproar online. How dare he mediate this? Has he lost his mind or just given up?”

At first, Cui Fangshan only frowned, but as the final words of the episode aired, his expression darkened until he slammed the desk!

As the head of the station, his insight and acumen were unquestionable.

Haofang Culture’s bold defiance of the Director Association proves that this company isn’t as simple as it looks. Coupled with the commotion from the Mingsha Tourism Festival, it’s clear that Mingsha Tourism is no ordinary firm.

Now, this is a serious problem.

Haofang Culture, already the most unwanted opponent by various TV stations, has unexpectedly stepped forward of its own accord.

“Leader, I’ve checked. Wang Xiaobin mentioned that the ratings for this episode have been steadily falling. They’re trying an experiment mediating disputes between public figures—hence this episode.”

He Ruozhou continued,

“Mediating disputes among public figures? Some conflicts even top entertainment moguls can’t resolve. If it were that simple, someone would have tried it long ago—so how did Ace Mediation end up with this?”

Cui Fangshan’s anger only grew with every word.

All because of this wretched program, the reputation of ‘Qingyue Song’ has been tarnished in an instant. If it were another company, a quick word in the Director Association chat would suffice, but it’s Haofang Culture.

“Leader, although Wang Xiaobin claims this, his stance was clearly biased. That concluding segment was way too obvious.”

He Ruozhou nodded in agreement.

“Suspend him! And launch a full investigation to see if there’s any financial link between him and the client!”

After a brief contemplation, Cui Fangshan made his decision.

“Understood, Leader!”

“Now, how do we resolve this mess? It seems Haofang Culture is dead set on a showdown.”

Cui Fangshan leaned back slowly in his chair and said, frowning.

To Haofang Culture, Ace Mediation not only represents Yun Province TV—it embodies the station’s stance and attitude.

Of course.

In a sense, that’s true. Wang Xiaobin isn’t just a temporary hire.

“Leader, here’s what I propose. What do you think?”

“Go on,”

“Let’s first handle Wang Xiaobin. Then, after the New Year, we can head to Mingsha and meet with CEO Xu of Haofang Agency to offer a sincere apology. After all, we did mess up—and our gesture must be genuine!”

“If we can turn hostilities into harmony, not only can we salvage our xianxia series, we might also forge a bond with Haofang Culture, gaining a formidable partner.”

He Ruozhou voiced his thoughts.

That very afternoon, Zhao Wanqu’s agent—the star of ‘Qingyue Song’—started calling frantically. Clearly, Haofang Culture isn’t just a nightmare for TV stations; it’s become one for many actors.

The two leads from ‘Tanhuolang’ and Feng Xuan are living examples.

“Can’t we do it before the New Year?”

After a moment’s thought, Cui Fangshan frowned again.

Honestly, as He Ruozhou said, if he were in their shoes, he’d have snapped too. Delays will only hurt Yun Province TV in the end.

“Before the New Year is unlikely. First, Haofang Culture has a movie slated for the Spring Festival, so they’re likely busy with that. Second, they’re still in high spirits—waiting might be wiser. Besides, as the year-end approaches, our station has plenty on its plate!”

“Haofang Culture is making a movie?”

Cui Fangshan was taken aback.

In his view, launching three hit dramas in under a year was already impressive for Haofang Culture—no time for extras. Yet, they’ve managed a movie! “Yes, we’ve discreetly filed a film called ‘Longmen Inn.'”

“Haofang Culture really catches you off guard.”

“Exactly! When the news broke, the director group went into a tizzy!”

“Alright, then postpone it until after the New Year! As for showing sincerity, we’ll brainstorm further.”

“Agreed!”

Day by day, as the New Year neared, Haofang Culture’s film ‘Longmen Inn’ garnered increasing attention, with Yan City TV even running advertisements.

In doing so,

they successfully thrust this year’s Spring Festival movie segment into the spotlight.

The biggest buzz now centers on Haofang Culture’s ‘Longmen Inn’ and Ning An Cultural Tourism’s ‘New Moon Legend.’ Recently, ‘New Moon Legend’ has launched an unrelenting promotional blitz, leaving many to sense something amiss.

Some viewers even claim the film is targeting ‘Longmen Inn.’ Daring to challenge Haofang Culture at this time, its quality surely won’t disappoint.

Consequently, many plan to buy tickets after the New Year.

Still, while some care about the movies, others only worry about their own earnings by year’s end.

On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month in Mingsha County’s county town, young men hauling suitcases were noticeably more numerous than usual—these were migrants returning home after a hard-fought year.

As tradition dictates, this is the time they showcase just how well they’ve succeeded abroad.

“Uncle Wang, soaking up the sun?”

Dragging suitcases, two young men passing a small convenience store noticed a middle-aged man (around fifty) sunning himself at the doorway. They immediately stopped to greet him.

“Xiao Tong, Xiao Le, are you back?”

The man, upon hearing the friendly voices, returned the greeting.

“Yeah! We’re home for the New Year!”

The two youths smiled.

“Great! By the way, Uncle, are you smoking?”

The young man in the black down jacket, well-versed in local customs, pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

“No need! I’ve got some right here!”

Seeing this, the man quickly waved his hand and adjusted his pocket.

“It’s alright—you’ve worked hard all year. Change it up and try my premium smokes.”

The youth laughed and handed him a cigarette.

These were none other than the indispensable Hua Zi brand cigarettes; one puff and your status was set in stone.

Yet, to the youth’s surprise,

the man didn’t accept his cigarette. Instead, he pulled out a pack from his pocket and pointed at it. “Xiao Tong, no need. Look, I have the exact same ones as you! After a hard year away, enjoy my smokes!”

With that, he extended two cigarettes.

“Uh…”

The scene instantly turned awkward.

The two youths exchanged puzzled glances.

They knew his usual brand was the ten-yuan limit—so how did he suddenly pull out Hua Zi, and not even as a festive treat?

“Don’t worry, these are year-end goodies from Xiao Gang’s company. Rest assured, they’re for you. Otherwise, Xiao Gang wouldn’t have saved them for me if he didn’t use them!”

Seeing their stunned expressions, the man smiled.

“Year-end goodies from Xiao Gang’s company? What kind of company gives out Hua Zi? Where did he work this year?”

The youth was left speechless for a moment.

This New Year perk sounded seriously intimidating.

“He’s working at Mingsha Tourism!”

“Mingsha Tourism? He joined Mingsha Tourism?”

The young man in the black down jacket scratched his head.

On phone calls home, they’d heard that a formidable company had arrived in town this year, developing the desert and even hosting a tourism festival.

They’d even watched the festival’s opening ceremony.

Yet after watching, they were unimpressed—merely noting the company’s strength, never imagining someone would end up working there. After all, their city had larger, listed companies with similar perks.

They even figured that if Mingsha Tourism hired locals, the salary would only be around three thousand.

“Yes, when Mingsha Tourism was established, he joined immediately!”

The man nodded.

“And Xiao Gang? Has Mingsha Tourism given a holiday? Their employee perks must be pretty good.”

Snapping back to reality, the youth asked hurriedly.

In that instant, the sense of superiority that comes from returning home evaporated.

“He hasn’t come back! It’s insanely busy over there—employees must work through the New Year for triple pay! That’s why your aunt and I plan to head over. I suspect their generous welfare is tied to this: each gets a pack of Hua Zi, two bottles of fine liquor, a bag of rice, a bucket of oil, and ten pounds of beef!”

Mentioning his son’s perks made the man smile involuntarily.

And as for the New Year?

It doesn’t matter where you celebrate—as long as the family is together.

“Uncle, you’re going too? Where will you stay?”

The youth felt his train of thought falter.

“Heh-heh, not only us, but I bet half the county will go! The boss of Mingsha Tourism said that over the New Year, employees working in the desert will have their families provided with a guesthouse along with a reunion dinner.

And finally, they’ll organize a proper, large-scale fireworks show!”

The man continued.

Clearly, he was very excited about such a special New Year.

“Uncle, don’t scare me! If half the county goes, wouldn’t our town be deserted? Isn’t that a bit exaggerated? And working on New Year’s—if it were me, I’d never do it! New Year dinners and fireworks are just traps set by the capitalists!”

The youth was at a complete loss for words.

“Exaggerated? Plenty of fresh graduates and job seekers are working at Mingsha Tourism. Honestly, I have no idea how much you earn abroad—just look at Xiao Gang. His monthly salary, including performance bonuses, goes over nine thousand, with social insurance and housing fund, plus he’s close to home and his company provides meals and lodging. A job like that, my Xiao Gang definitely wouldn’t quit!”