After becoming rich overnight, I handed over the system.

Chapter 454 A Great Success

The next morning, Zhou Ziqian was urgently summoned to the conference room as soon as he arrived at his office.

Zheng Guodong, president of Xinghui TV, and several senior executives sat there with solemn expressions, while Lin Ruoxue stood to the side, her expression calm but her eyes warning.

"Ziqian, Weishang Mobile just sent a letter saying they want to re-evaluate the sponsorship contract." Zheng Guodong pushed a document over. "They questioned the authenticity of the program's data and even hinted that they might switch to 'Idol Birth'."

Zhou Ziqian quickly glanced at the documents and understood—Liu Ming's first wave of attacks had arrived.

"Mr. Zheng, our data can withstand any scrutiny," Zhou Ziqian calmly replied. "Moreover, Weishang isn't our only sponsor; Meiyue Cosmetics and Jisu Beverages have both expressed their intention to increase their investment."

"The problem is that VISHAN has triggered a chain reaction from the other three sponsors," a senior executive said worriedly. "If they all withdraw their funding..."

“Then let’s find new ones,” Lin Ruoxue suddenly said. “The ‘National Producers’ show is a phenomenon now, so there’s no shortage of sponsors. On the contrary, losing this platform would be a greater loss for Weishang.”

After the meeting, Lin Ruoxue pulled Zhou Ziqian aside, saying, "The industry summit is next week, and Liu Ming will give a keynote speech. I bet he'll publicly question us."

Zhou Ziqian's eyes were resolute. "Then let's face it head-on."

The venue was packed on the day of the summit.

When Liu Ming walked onto the stage, Zhou Ziqian noticed that he had lost a lot of weight since the last time they met, and the dark circles under his eyes could not be covered even with foundation.

"...While pursuing innovation, we must be wary of data bubbles." Liu Ming's speech gradually became more targeted, "Some programs claim tens of millions of interactions, but their authenticity cannot be verified technically, which is extremely detrimental to the healthy development of the industry..."

Whispers began to circulate among the audience, and everyone's eyes were subtly glancing at Zhou Ziqian, who was sitting in the front row.

During the Q&A session, Zhou Ziqian immediately raised his hand and stood up, asking, "When Team Leader Liu mentioned the issue of data authenticity, was he specifically referring to 'National Producers'?"

The room fell silent instantly.

Liu Ming was clearly taken aback by Zhou Ziqian's directness; his expression changed slightly before he regained his professional smile. "I was merely discussing industry phenomena in general."

“That’s perfect,” Zhou Ziqian said, taking out his phone. “The fourth episode of ‘National Producers’ is currently being recorded. I’d like to request a live connection so everyone can see what real interaction data looks like.”

Before Liu Ming could respond, the organizers excitedly agreed to the proposal.

The big screen quickly displayed live footage of the recording of "National Producers" and constantly changing interactive data—87 people were online, with more than 10 new votes added every minute.

“Our system is certified by international authoritative organizations, and every piece of data is traceable.” Zhou Ziqian surveyed the venue. “Innovation may make some people uncomfortable, but the audience cast their votes using remote controls and mobile phones.”

There was thunderous applause.

Liu Ming stood on the stage, his smile stiff as if he were wearing a mask.

After the summit, Zhou Ziqian was stopped by Liu Ming in the parking lot.

"You think you've won?" Liu Ming's voice was hoarse, his eyes bloodshot. "This industry isn't decided by temporary ratings."

Zhou Ziqian calmly looked at his former boss, who had once caused him sleepless nights. "For me, what matters is making good programs. As for you, Liu Ming, you're nothing but a defeated opponent."

Liu Ming's face turned deathly pale upon hearing such words from his former subordinate.

Back at the TV station, Zhou Ziqian found Lin Ruoxue waiting for him in his office, with a document marked "Confidential" on the table.

“Take a look at this,” she pushed the document towards him, “a photocopy of the secret agreement between Liu Ming and Zhao Tianyu of Weishang. Someone just delivered it.”

Zhou Ziqian opened the document, his eyes widening—the agreement detailed how Liu Ming received kickbacks to pre-select contestants for "Idol Birth," and how he promised Weishang more favorable cooperation terms with Blue Ocean TV after withdrawing its investment.

“This is enough to ruin Liu Ming’s reputation.” Zhou Ziqian closed the file. “What do you plan to do?”

A sharp glint flashed in Lin Ruoxue's eyes. "No rush, let's talk about it after the first season of 'National Producers' concludes. Right now, let's focus on making history."

Outside the window, the setting sun bathed the Star Shine TV logo in gold, while the Blue Ocean TV building across the street gradually disappeared into shadow.

The final night of the first season of "The Producers" has finally arrived, and Studio One of Xinghui TV is brightly lit.

In the center of the stage, champion Yang Xiaoxing held the trophy, tears streaming down her face, and thanked all the "producers"—ordinary audience members who voted, left comments, and even participated in choreography through the app.

Zhou Ziqian stood to the side of the stage, watching this girl who was just an ordinary college student three months ago, now transformed into a dazzling new star.

In the audience, fans held up signs that read "Everyone can create stars, we are all producers," and their cheers almost lifted the roof off.

"Real-time viewership rating of 4.8%, market share of 23.7%, breaking a ten-year record!" came the excited voice of the data monitor through the earpiece.

Lin Ruoxue appeared beside him at some point, holding two glasses of champagne.

“Congratulations, Director Zhou.” She handed one of the glasses to Zhou Ziqian. “You’ve changed the rules of the game.”

Zhou Ziqian shook his head and looked at the host on stage, who was embracing the contestants. "It's because of us that things changed."

Just then, his phone vibrated.

It was a message and a photo sent by Xiao Li—in the photo, Liu Ming was being led out of the Blue Ocean TV building by two police officers, his face ashen. The message was only a few words: "Conclusive evidence, commercial bribery."

Zhou Ziqian handed the phone to Lin Ruoxue, who glanced at it and a slight smile appeared on her lips.

“Justice may be delayed, but it will not be denied.” She took a sip of champagne.

On stage, the host is inviting Zhou Ziqian, the "unsung hero," to come up on stage.

A spotlight suddenly shone on him, and Zhou Ziqian subconsciously squinted, hearing thunderous applause in his ears.

“Go,” Lin Ruoxue gently pushed him, “this is your moment.”

Zhou Ziqian walked onto the stage and took the microphone.

Looking at the cheering audience below the stage, the bits and pieces of the past three months flashed through his mind—from being suppressed and forced to resign by Liu Ming, to joining Xinghui with the idea of ​​"National Producer"; from the anxiety when the first episode aired, to creating a ratings miracle.

"This is not the end," Zhou Ziqian's voice echoed in the studio, "but a new beginning. 'The People's Producers' proves that viewers are not just bystanders; they can be creators. This is the future of television!"

At the celebration banquet that evening, Zheng Guodong, president of Star Shine Television, personally announced a special bonus for Zhou Ziqian's team and put the second season of "The Producers" on the agenda.