Chapter 12: The Hosts All Say "Journey to the West" Won't Work

Two days later, Zhao Dezhu and his team had already brought over information about Lotus and Blue Cang. After a brief scan, Le Xiaotian had a clear understanding. There were quite a few programs with high ratings on both stations, such as "Midnight Myth," "Morning Fairy Tales," "A Taste of the World," "Music Radio," "Splendid Journey," "Emotional Hotline," and others.

The next day, on the nineteenth floor of Beihai Tower, the large conference room was abuzz with 156 hosts and 24 staff members deep in discussion.

"Brother Zhong, I still don't understand the station's decision. A 23-year-old host is going to be fully responsible for 138 programs—have they lost their minds?"

"Exactly. Although 'Xiaotian's Song Request Station' achieved some success, this decision is simply outrageous."

"What are you two worried about? Just do what you're told. As long as you don't make mistakes, you'll be fine."

"Wow, Brother Zhong is right."

"Listen to him. If you keep working with that attitude, the best you'll achieve is becoming an old hand, nothing more."

Suddenly, the noisy room fell silent as Director Tang, Li Hongmei, Zhao Dezhu, the bearded man, and Le Xiaotian arrived.

Taking their seats while several female assistants distributed documents, Le Xiaotian immediately delivered a key speech. "I read all the materials you provided yesterday. I've decided to change our station's 'Myth' to 'Perfect Myth' in seven days, with the program focusing on 'Journey to the West.' I'll send you the related musical arrangements in a couple of days for you to listen to first. Make sure to play them during your respective advertising slots."

After everyone had received the documents, he continued, "What you have in your hands is the first chapter of 'Journey to the West.' In seven days, I expect you to have a fairly clear understanding. At minimum, if listeners ask, you should be able to talk your way through it."

At this moment, many hosts weren't paying careful attention to Le Xiaotian's speech; they were instead captivated by the materials in their hands.

The first chapter of the divine and demonic novel "Journey to the West"—"The Origin of Spiritual Roots, The Birth of the Grand Way."

A poem reads:

Chaos was not yet divided, heaven and earth in turmoil, vast and boundless, unseen by any.
Since Pangu broke through the cosmic mist, clarity and turbidity have been distinguished.
All living things look up to supreme benevolence; the revelation of all things brings goodness.
If you wish to know the achievement of creation, you must read the tale of the Westward Journey.

It is said the cycles of heaven and earth number 129,600 years for one epoch. One epoch is divided into twelve cycles: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig...

Astonished, shocked, all were dumbfounded!

This was ancient literary grammar—a divine and demonic novel that left readers utterly bewildered at first glance.

After the shock subsided, finally a host asked, "Will listeners accept such an ancient work in modern times?"

A female host followed up, "Since Brother Xiaotian and the leadership have already decided, I have a suggestion. If we could invite the author onto the program for an in-depth explanation, perhaps the effect would be even better."

Just as Director Tang was about to speak, Le Xiaotian smiled, "I am the author. You don't need to worry; the classical version is for the modern translation. Otherwise, how could I finish a one-hour program with only one chapter?"

The original "Journey to the West" was written by Wu Cheng'en, but here, bearing the immense responsibility of promoting Chinese culture, Le Xiaotian becomes the author.

Not only that, but countless classics, famous songs, paintings—all of them are his original work.

Originally, Le Xiaotian had considered launching some less renowned works first. A masterpiece like "Journey to the West" would undoubtedly shock the world of Le Sphere, and bring many troubles for him at this stage.

But remembering he was the universal enemy of all stars, Le Xiaotian decided he might as well astonish the entire world.

Another reason was that for "Journey to the West" to reach the heights it achieved on Earth, it would take many years.

After all, for the people of Le Sphere, "Journey to the West" was simply a new literary work; nothing more.

Its growth required time to settle, needed music, versions in various languages, cultural dissemination, television dramas, stage plays, films, and more forms of artistic expression.

Thus, "Journey to the West" was sure to become popular, but its true charm would need time to be discovered.

Pfft, pfft, pfft!

As soon as Le Xiaotian declared himself the author, over a hundred people seemed to cough up blood in unison.

He actually understood classical Chinese? And this novel seemed rather captivating?

After another round of silence, a ******** suggested, "Let me say this. Although I don't know how well this 'Journey to the West' is written, Brother Xiaotian, couldn't you just use modern language? Many of our 'Myth' program listeners don't have that kind of cultural background."

The classical version is the original; if the original isn't presented first, isn't that forgetting the essence? With a silent complaint, Le Xiaotian smiled at ********, "Don't worry. I'll tell this divine and demonic story in the most straightforward language, but the classical version is more refined and can withstand the test of time. Besides, I'll compose music for it."

Pfft, pfft, pfft! Another round of coughing up blood.

Who listens to a novel with music on the radio? But his composition, arrangement, singing, and instrumental talents are unrivaled—perhaps it could work?

As everyone stared at Le Xiaotian in suspicion, Director Tang finally found his chance to speak. "No need to worry, everyone. Now that we've established the singer-host position, we must pursue comprehensive change. I believe Host Xiaotian can lead us to defeat Blue Cang."

Despite Director Tang's confidence, some star hosts dared to voice their opinions. "Among Blue Cang's 168 radio programs, their 'Midnight Myth' has the highest ratings—over 30% in the latest episode. Unlike local stations, they're also national, with hundreds of millions of potential listeners. With such high ratings, I don't think we should confront them head-on."

The biased Huang Qiang chimed in, "Yes, we've spent so much effort to achieve 5% with 'Xiaotian's Song Request Station.' I think Host Xiaotian's idea is wrong; we should start from the basics."

You know nothing. If I say it will work, it will work. Seeing one host after another voice dissent, Le Xiaotian grew annoyed. "Enough. Whether it works or not, the listeners will decide. Our 'Myth' used to hover around 1%. I guarantee the first episode of our new 'Perfect Myth' will exceed 3%. If not, I'll eat a keyboard live."

The hosts were dumbfounded. After countless effort, the first episode of "Xiaotian's Song Request Station" only managed 5%.

But "Myth" was not Lotus's flagship program; in fact, it was one of the weakest across Lotus's frequencies.

The initial publicity and the momentum from the first episode of "Xiaotian's Song Request Station" would surely carry over, but now shifting directly to "Perfect Myth" seemed reckless.

The hosts whispered among themselves. Though they had little faith in the new program, they didn't openly protest.

Seeing this situation, Le Xiaotian stood up. "You can keep discussing; I'm going to compose music."

Watching his departing figure, the hosts were stunned. What was going on? Did musical prodigies get such privileges?

At this moment, the roles of Li Hongmei, Zhao Dezhu, and the bearded man came into play. Each spoke in turn.

The central theme was simply that Le Xiaotian would surely succeed, everyone must cooperate fully, and together, they must crush Blue Cang.