Chapter 157 Let's Have a Comedy Show

When Gong Tao opened the first page of the proposal, he saw the program's positioning.

Gathering comedic talents from all walks of life across the land, spreading joy and laughter through the power of humorous language.

Presented in a variety show format, discovering the most theatrically gifted talent through programs like crosstalk, skits, traditional performing arts, humorous performances, and juggling.

"You plan for me to host a comedy show?"

Gong Tao couldn't help but look at Wang Shu with curiosity and asked.

"Yes, I checked yesterday. This category is currently vacant. I think we can give it a try."

Wang Shu nodded. After his call with Gong Tao yesterday, he had also looked into the variety show landscape of this world.

Unlike Earth, variety shows in this world mainly focused on music competitions or talent shows.

Programs similar to "The Great Escape" were popular but not mainstream.

And there were no variety shows centered around crosstalk and skits like "Happy Comedian King."

That's why he wondered if he should bring over the massively popular "Happy Comedian King" from Earth.

After hearing Wang Shu's answer, Gong Tao felt it made sense.

Previously, everyone had focused their attention on music variety shows, paying insufficient attention to stage performances. Therefore, the idea Wang Shu presented to him was worth a try.

He then flipped through some of the rules and settings, and he couldn't help but admire Wang Shu.

Because he had only told Wang Shu about this matter last night, yet today Wang Shu had already written the script rules and stage settings in such detail.

"You kid, I really didn't misjudge you. Sometimes I really want to open up your head and see what kind of structure is inside!"

After reading the entire proposal, Gong Tao couldn't help but praise Wang Shu with a thumbs up.

"I have plenty more proposals. If you're not satisfied with this one, I can give you others."

Wang Shu said frankly. He had an endless supply of such variety show scripts.

"No need, this script is enough. I wasn't sure before, but now that I've seen all your detailed settings, I think this script is absolutely perfect. Wait for me for a moment, I'll take it to the Deputy Director right away."

Gong Tao said to Wang Shu with full confidence. He had been a little worried earlier that this theme might be too niche and might not receive a good market response.

But after reading the proposal, he was completely filled with confidence.

Because Wang Shu's proposal was very thorough, even writing out all the detailed rules of the program.

Some aspects were even beyond what he, as the director, had considered.

Then, Gong Tao stood up and took the proposal to the Deputy Director's office.

"Director Zhang, here is my proposal, please take a look!"

Gong Tao handed the proposal directly to the Deputy Director.

"You wrote this proposal so quickly?"

Director Zhang looked at Gong Tao with surprise. This kid had seemed troubled last night, and now he had produced the proposal so quickly.

"To be honest, sir, a friend of mine helped me with it. Could you see if it's feasible?"

Gong Tao answered truthfully, as the proposal was provided by Wang Shu.

"Oh, I see. Let me take a look."

Upon hearing that it was from Gong Tao's friend, Director Zhang's anticipation for the proposal immediately diminished.

Then, glancing at the name on the proposal, he frowned.

"Happy Comedian King? You're planning to do a comedy show?"

Director Zhang was about to open the proposal, but upon seeing the name, he placed it back on the desk and asked Gong Tao.

"Yes, I think this market is vacant, so I want to try."

Gong Tao replied.

"Just because this market is vacant, you dare to do it? Do you know why this market is vacant? It's because comedy shows are difficult to make, and they can easily lead to awkwardness. Not only will it not be funny, but it will also be very embarrassing."

Director Zhang sneered.

He had initially thought Gong Tao had a good idea, but it turned out to be a comedy show.

In his many years in the industry, he hadn't seen any television station successfully produce such a program.

"I know, but I still want to give it a try!"

Gong Tao hadn't expected Director Zhang's attitude, but he still wanted to try and fight for it.

"Since you want to do it, then do it. I won't be responsible if something goes wrong with this program."

Director Zhang said directly.

After all, all he needed to do now was to shirk responsibility. As long as there was a program to follow "The Masked Singer" after it concluded, he would be fine.

As for whether he could retain the audience, that was entirely Gong Tao's responsibility.

At this critical juncture, he even wished for Gong Tao to make a mistake quickly, so that when the old director stepped down, this newcomer wouldn't seize his position.

Moreover, he had a premonition that this so-called "Happy Comedian King" would surely not be good.

Although he hadn't seen the program's rules and format, generally, few comedy programs were successful.

So he was already prepared to watch Gong Tao make a fool of himself.

"Alright, since Director Zhang doesn't object, I'll submit this program for registration. I'll officially start filming this program next week."

Seeing that Director Zhang didn't reject him, Gong Tao said directly.

"Go ahead, don't blame me for not warning you!"

Director Zhang said to Gong Tao with a hint of a helpless smile.

...

"How did it go?"

Wang Shu asked curiously when Gong Tao returned to his office.

"The leader isn't very optimistic."

Gong Tao replied directly.

"But I've already submitted it for registration, and we'll start recording next week!"

Gong Tao added.

"Don't speak with such a pause! Recording starts next week? Can you find the people?"

Wang Shu hadn't expected Gong Tao to be in such a hurry, starting recording next week.

"No choice, I have to fill the slot after 'The Masked Singer' and see if we can retain the audience."

Gong Tao couldn't help but frown with some worry.

"As long as there are reliable actors and contestants, this show will definitely be fine."

Wang Shu comforted him, as he himself couldn't guarantee whether the show would succeed.

The reason that comedy show on Earth became so popular was because of a group of very reliable comedians.

He didn't know if there were such excellent actors in Longguo.

"Do you understand comedy? Why don't you perform too?"

Gong Tao looked at Wang Shu again, asking with anticipation.

"Are you just going to squeeze me dry? You've already made me bald."

Wang Shu hadn't expected this kid to be fixated on him.

"It's a time of great need! I'm in a desperate situation. We're brothers now, can't you help your old brother?"

Gong Tao pleaded with Wang Shu.

"Then count me in. But even brothers need to settle accounts clearly. You have to pay for the copyright of the show, and the performance fees. And if I win the championship, the prize money can't be less!"

Wang Shu said directly. Although he and Gong Tao were like brothers, even brothers had to be clear about finances.

"Naturally, you won't be shortchanged. 'The Masked Singer' won the viewership championship this time. For our new program, sponsors and naming rights will be easy to secure. How could you be shortchanged then?"

Seeing Wang Shu agree, Gong Tao excitedly patted his chest and guaranteed.

"That's good then. You find the rest of the people yourself, and inform me when we start recording!"

Seeing Gong Tao's generous reply, Wang Shu nodded and said.

Afterward, Wang Shu gave Gong Tao some advice on what to pay attention to regarding the program. By the time Wang Shu left the TV station, it was already noon.

Back at the hotel, Wang Shu busied himself again, writing scripts.

After all, he had agreed to participate in "Happy Comedian King," so he had to prepare the scripts in advance.

That night, at Jiangnan TV, the finale of "The Masked Singer" was broadcast as scheduled.

Many viewers who couldn't attend the finale in person were now watching in front of their televisions.

"It's finally airing! Mom, the identity of Monkey King is going to be revealed today!"

A student said to his mother, holding a bowl of rice and staring intently at the television.

"Honey, wait a moment. I'll finish watching tonight's show, and then I'll come to accompany you!"

A middle-aged man, who had just finished showering and hadn't even dried his hair, rushed to turn on the television when he realized the time and said to his wife, who was wearing a sexy outfit.

"Dear, come quick! The identity of your favorite Monkey King is about to be revealed!"

Two young lovers, nestled in their small rental apartment, sat in front of the television with great anticipation, waiting for the show to begin.

For them, a week of hard work had led to tonight's finale of "The Masked Singer."

Therefore, they were extremely excited. The program "The Masked Singer" had accompanied them for several weeks, and they had developed a deep affection for it.

They were especially curious about the person in the show called Monkey King, who wore a monkey mask.

They were eager to know the true identity of this person, mainly because every song he performed was stunning.

Whether it was "The Lone Warrior," which paid tribute to unnamed heroes, or "Huaxia Youth Talk," which expressed high hopes for the youth of Longguo, or later the chilling "囍," and "Farewell My Concubine," which reminded them not to forget their national hatred.

Every song by Monkey King amazed them, and every song was unexpectedly beautiful.

Therefore, they were also very much looking forward to what kind of song Monkey King would bring in the finale.

And most importantly, Monkey King's identity would be revealed in the finale today. They were very curious about what kind of face was behind that monkey mask.