They had spent an entire year gradually inviting a few people.
The pressure they endured during this period was beyond words.
"This variety show is originally created for artists, and Jiang Yan is just a plain folk. If we sign him on without any reason, I'm afraid we won't be able to get through public opinion." Shen Lan said.
Jiang Li certainly understood Shen Lan's concerns.
So she smiled slightly and offered her opinion.
"I don't think so. On the contrary, I think if you let Jiang Yan join, the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks."
"First of all, you should also have anticipated that if this variety show is aired, the resistance and public opinion storms it faces will certainly be significant. Stars naturally attract viewers, not to mention those who are at the peak of popularity."
"But Jiang Yan is different, he's an ordinary person with less public attention, which can divert some of the audience's focus and neutralize the negative impact brought by other artists. Moreover, he has stronger psychological resilience than the average person."
To put it more bluntly, he has a thick skin.
Otherwise, how could he continue to live a life of luxury without fear under such a reputation?
"Moreover, I guarantee this variety show will be a success, and there will be no problems during its run."
Shen Lan across the table was shocked by the powerful glow in her eyes and the composure and ease in her tone.
For some reason, she seemed to see on Jiang Li a unique aura.
As if she could indeed do what she said she would.
But she is just a nineteen-year-old girl.
How could she possess the maturity and composure of a middle-aged person?
Shen Lan stood up, strode over to the French windows, and gazed at the bustling traffic outside, deep in thought.
Jiang Li took a sip of the tea passed by He Wen and said her last comment.
"Second Aunt, haven't you always disbelieved in destiny, even betting your career on it? Why not give it a try this time?"
The girl's calm and soothing words hit Shen Lan's heart where it was deepest.
She turned her head and looked at Jiang Li, with a newfound appreciation in her eyes.
"Alright, I promise you, but I have one condition."
"Please feel free to say it."
"I want you to participate as well."
Jiang Li was surprised, but after thinking about it, she understood Shen Lan's intent.
If she participated, on the one hand, she could fill the gap left by the absence of variety show guests and keep an eye on Jiang Yan.
On the other hand, she could take the opportunity of being on the reality show to clear her own name and safely weather the storm of public opinion.
Finally, she carried even hotter topics than Jiang Yan had, which perfectly matched the appeal of the variety show.
It was a good deal no matter how you looked at it.
"Okay." Jiang Li put down her teacup, "I will participate."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Shixu, who had been silent all the while, became somewhat agitated.
He looked at Shen Lan, then at Jiang Li, and said with a bitten lip, "I, I want to go too."
Shen Lan refused without hesitation, "Jiang Shixu, don't you know your own situation? Is that a place for you to go?"
Jiang Shixu hung his head, his eyes brimming with disappointment.
Jiang Li moved closer to him and said softly,
"Second Aunt is also thinking of your best interest. She has protected you so well that none of your information has leaked in more than a decade. If you act so rashly, wouldn't that be wasting Second Aunt's efforts?"
Jiang Shixu suddenly raised his head to look at her.
In a fleeting moment, he seemed to remember something, but then the string of thought in his head snapped again.
"Yes, I'm sorry." He nervously twisted his hands, "I was impulsive."
"It's okay." Jiang Li took his hand, stopping his self-harming behavior, "I know you just want to be with me, right? But Shi Xu, no one can be by your side every moment, and you have to always keep that in mind."
It was clearly a sorrowful statement, yet for some reason, when it came from Jiang Li's mouth, it had an inexplicable inspiring effect.
Very warm.
Like the sunshine after the gloom.
Jiang Shixu nodded solemnly, no longer making requests to be together.
And Shen Lan, as the former top actress in the circle, already had two contracts prepared while they were talking.
"Although I don't know what method you used to make Jiang Yan, that ancestor, compromise, you're right, let's take a gamble."
Looking at the two contracts, Jiang Li blinked.
But the fact was, she had not mentioned this matter to Jiang Yan at all.
After a simple lunch in Shen Lan's office, Jiang Li packed up the contracts and left with Jiang Shixu.
Only then did He Wen come back in, looking worried, and sat next to Shen Lan.
"Sis, are you really planning to let those two come over? What if the internet accuses us of nepotism later?"
Shen Lan said, "Initially, Ming Feng and I had a secret marriage, and moreover, no one in the circle knew Ming Feng's real background, so naturally, they couldn't trace it back to the Jiang Family. Even if they did manage to find out, let them make a fuss; we're actually worried about not having enough buzz."
For some reason, she had a premonition.
A premonition that Jiang Li's change would bring unexpected surprises to her and the entire Jiang Family.
That was also why she let her participate in this variety show.
If her transformation left her flabbergasted, how could it not deeply shock those netizens and haters?
Isn't that exactly the original intention behind preparing this program?
"Sigh, sis, you really are daring, back then and even now, I truly admire you."
Shen Lan tapped her on the head, "How would I be where I am today if I weren't bold? Stop babbling. How are the negotiations with the guests coming along?"
Upon hearing this, He Wen's face grew even more troubled.
"So far, besides Jiang Yan who was previously confirmed, only two flying guests have agreed to come; the others..."
"Okay, I got it, go see if there are other suitable candidates. We don't have much time left, we must finish the schedule before the end of the year."
-
In the car, Jiang Li carefully read through the contract one more time.
The clauses had no issues whatsoever, and the payment they offered her was even within the ballpark of an amateur's fees.
It was evident that her Second Aunt had really put a lot of effort into this program.
"Sister, are you worried that something bad will happen after joining the show? If you're really reluctant, I'll talk to her, telling her not to force you."
Jiang Li glanced at him.
She could feel that sometimes the boy just didn't want to talk, not that he couldn't.
On the contrary, his sensitivity and emotional intelligence were higher than some adults, otherwise, he wouldn't have said these words.
"No need, Shi Xu." Jiang Li said, "I'm very willing to join this show. I'm just contemplating how to get Jiang Yan to sign the contract willingly."
If she were to lay it all out directly, he would definitely turn away with a flick of his head and then be uncooperative.
Like with the arranged engagement with the Qiao Family.
She needed to find a way to make him agree on his own.
After a pause, Jiang Li looked at Jiang Shixu, her dense apricot eyes slightly curving into a smile.
"Shi Xu, sister needs your help with one more thing."