Chapter 78: Double-Edged Sword

At the same time, a joint special investigation team from the three major video platforms—Youxun, Banana, and LeKan—arrived at the Donghai Film City set of "Produce 101" to launch an inquiry into the alleged behind-the-scenes manipulation by the director.

After instructing his staff to gather testimonies from the crew and contestants, Wang Rui, the general manager of the three platforms, took two bottles of coffee from a vending fridge, tossed one to Fu Yuntao, and grinned, "How does it feel to be under fire?"

"A bit sickening," Fu Yuntao replied, putting the coffee on the table and speaking irritably. "Stop gloating. I regret ever taking on this show. Hurry up and fire me—get someone else!"

"Oh, come on, my dear director. Don't say things you don't mean. I wouldn't fire you even if I had to fire myself," Wang Rui said, opening his coffee and taking a long swig. "Since I'm here personally, just relax. You focus on being the director and making a great show; I'll handle everything else."

"And how are you going to handle it?" Fu Yuntao eyed him sideways. "A top-tier celebrity with sixty million followers is stirring things up himself. You think you can just brush that off?"

"This incident is a double-edged sword. Whether the outcome is good or bad depends entirely on the person wielding it," Wang Rui said calmly. "Han Yu has a notoriously short temper and a poor reputation in the industry. Do you remember last year? He was caught red-handed—publicly, his fee was over ten million for a TV series, but privately he demanded a hundred million. When the producer revealed the dual contracts, the Broadcasting and Artist Administration got involved. Things got tense, but because the contract hadn’t been finalized and Lemon Entertainment bought hot searches to bury the news, he survived. Otherwise, he’d have been blacklisted long ago."

"That was ages ago—why bring up old dirt now?" Fu Yuntao retorted. "And isn't this kind of thing common? If you move against them, you risk putting a target on your own back."

"I have several dual contracts from Lemon’s artists, including Han Yu’s. This could blow up. If it does, not only will the Artist Administration investigate, but the courts and tax bureau will also come down on him," Wang Rui said with a smile. "Old Fu, believe me, before they can make me a target, I have a hundred ways to take Han Yu down first."

Fu Yuntao was surprised. "Where did you get those contracts?"

Wang Rui replied, "You know I haven’t been idle all these years. My investments go beyond 'Produce 101' and your shows; I’ve dabbled in film and television too, though always through shell companies. I’ve made enough money. If Lemon doesn’t back off, I’m prepared to go down with them."

"Don’t be reckless," Fu Yuntao said, frowning. "If you leak those contracts, you’ll never work in this business again."

"I’ve already said I’ve made enough," Wang Rui replied with a laugh. "You’re my pick. We’ve worked together more than once. If they go after you, they go after me. Maybe you can swallow this, but I can’t. Trust me, not only am I going to make this a big deal—I want it known everywhere. And in the end, Lemon Entertainment will have to swallow the bitter fruit themselves."

Fu Yuntao could only smile wryly.

Wang Rui was a renowned producer in the industry. Over the years, many of Fu Yuntao’s top variety shows had Wang Rui’s investment and involvement. "Produce 101" was no exception; Wang Rui held at least a 10% stake, making him the largest shareholder after the four main platforms, and he was one of the chief producers.

The two had worked together for years. Moreover, as the godfather of mainland variety television, Fu Yuntao’s company’s shows were always a hit across the platforms. Though little known outside the industry, his reputation within was legendary. The three platforms would never replace a director over a trivial matter. This investigation was mostly for show, to pacify the public.

As for Lemon Entertainment pressuring them along with other agencies, the project leads for "Produce 101" at all three platforms were furious. Wang Rui’s visit was not only to reassure Fu Yuntao but also to strategize how best to wield this double-edged sword.

The final decision was simple: stir up hype—ride the controversy! They wanted the conflict to escalate and make headlines everywhere, even overseas, drawing attention across industries.

Of course, this plan depended on Fu Yuntao delivering a high-quality show. If "Produce 101" turned out mediocre or worthless, such hype would only backfire.

Fu Yuntao was well aware of this. So, after the investigation team’s "inquiry," he immediately threw himself into designing an even more rigorous production plan.

He was also touched by Liao Yuan’s public support for him on social media, but he knew it wasn’t the right time to speak out, so he simply sent Liao Yuan a quiet thank-you message.

No sooner had he sent the message than another thought struck him. He called Liao Yuan directly, asking if he could write a girl group song for Liao Meiqi.

Liao Yuan was surprised. "A girl group song?"

"Yes. According to the competition rules, Meiqi’s team will perform live next week. The losing group will be eliminated. You know as well as I do, Liao, that if her team doesn’t stand out at this critical moment, the controversy will only grow, and the outcome will become more unpredictable," Fu Yuntao said with a smile. "You’re a genius. Your first three songs catapulted your sister into second place. If she wins the group stage this time, there’s a real chance she could take first."

Liao Yuan thought a moment and said, "Director Fu, could I visit the set?"

"You want to come to the set?" Fu Yuntao was taken aback. "To meet the contestants directly?"

"Yes," Liao Yuan replied.

Fu Yuntao hesitated. "That... breaks the show’s rules, Liao. You know these are extraordinary times. If it were any other time, maybe..."

Liao Yuan laughed. "Director Fu, here’s my thought—since it’s a girl group song, it should have matching choreography..."

"You know dance as well?" Fu Yuntao was surprised.

Liao Yuan hesitated, recalling his sweat-drenched days practicing in the dance studio in his previous life. With a hint of nostalgia, he said, "I know a little. Mainly, I just think music and dance go well together."

"I see. Actually, you don’t have to worry about choreography. We have professional dance instructors—Jiang Lingsu and Yan Nianan are both master choreographers with numerous awards. As long as we have a suitable song, they’ll create a dance to match," Fu Yuntao said, his eyes suddenly lighting up. "Liao, you can’t meet the contestants, but you can meet the mentors! Here’s what we’ll do: set a time, and I’ll have Yan Nianan meet with you. Don’t worry—she’s on my team. Say whatever you like."