This Star Doesn’t Work Overtime

Chapter 251: 249. Luoshen Feitian, Everything Depends

  Chapter 251 249. Luoshen Feitian, everything depends on the ratings!

  Central Plains Satellite TV has never received so much attention, and has never been followed by so many people.

   But it’s not prime-time variety shows or TV dramas that get the attention…

   It's a cultural and educational variety show at midnight at eleven o'clock in the evening.

  If it is normal, at this point in time, most of the Central Plains Satellite TV has gone home to rest after get off work.

But…

  Tonight, most of the staff of Zhongyuan Satellite TV are still on duty.

  Even though many people don’t have much work left, they are all told by their leaders that they have to work overtime until twelve o’clock before leaving get off work, in order to meet any sudden emergency needs.

  Even many staff members of Central Plains Satellite TV are actually the first to know the program of Cultural Central Plains, and they never thought that one day they would work overtime because of this midnight cultural and educational program.

  The temporary overtime notice was notified by Liu Jie. He, Xiao Qiang, and Yu Wenqiao also stayed in the office to work overtime, waiting for the broadcast of the program.

  Liu Jie made a pot of tea himself and poured a cup for both Xiao Qiang and Yu Wenqiao.

   Xiao Qiang and Yu Wenqiao took the teacups hastily and carefully, and quickly said thank you.

  Liu Jie took a sip from the teacup by himself, looked at the two of them and said, "Old Xiao, Lao Yu, I have known you for more than ten years. Don't be so estranged, we may have to deal with each other frequently in the future."

  Xiao Qiang also took a sip of tea, and praised: "Good tea, Mr. Liu, your craftsmanship is also very extraordinary."

  Yu Wenqiao also praised: "Good tea."

   The two of them didn't know what Liu Jie wanted to say, so they flattered them first before talking.

  Liu Jie laughed and said, "There's nothing good about the 50 yuan a pack of tea in the store at the door."

  Xiao Qiang and Yu Wenqiao paused in embarrassment, then smiled to cover up their embarrassment.

Liu Jie looked serious, looked at the two of them and said, "Yesterday and today, I held two meetings with several leaders and called many professionals from our station to discuss my proposal. Wang Cheng left after recording the program. However, I think his program format is very interesting, so I propose to the higher-ups that you can continue to increase investment in your programs in the future, continue to use Wang Cheng's program recording format as a template, and continue to tap the potential!"

  “If possible, make this form our Zhongyuan Satellite TV’s signboard, a cultural business card. This is a matter of two strokes.”

   Both Xiao Qiang and Yu Wenqiao's eyes lit up. The two of them only heard a little bit of wind. Given their status in the stage, they are not qualified to participate in the upper-level meeting.

  Hearing what Liu Jie confirmed at this time, both of them knew that their chance had come.

  Cooperated with Wang Cheng before, but they were lucky, it was a one-time opportunity.

  And now, it may be their chance for the rest of their lives!

  Xiao Qiang immediately asked: "Master Liu, is there any result?"

  Liu Jie shook his head lightly: "There is no conclusion yet, because there are no results and data to support it."

  Xiao Qiang immediately understood: "So, we have to wait until the ratings of our program come out?"

Liu Jie nodded: "Yes, we'll talk about it when the ratings come out. It's like the rural life of Shonan Satellite TV. Because of Wang Cheng's magical performance in the last issue, Shonan Satellite TV has increased its investment, and the schedule has also been moved to the prime time on weekends. , it may become a popular variety show that everyone is familiar with for a long time in the future!"

"We want to learn from Shonan Satellite TV and follow the path left by Wang Cheng. We also have to rely on the ratings of this program. If the ratings are not satisfactory, it is useless to say anything. If there are good ratings, then we It will create a new history of Zhongyuan Satellite TV..."

  Yu Wenqiao asked softly: "Then what figure must the ratings reach to meet expectations?"

Liu Jie thought for a while and said, "There is no conclusion yet. However, we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in this program, with Wang Cheng, Wen Yixiao, Zhu Ziqi, Han Xiao, and An Keru joining in. They themselves There is a certain basis for guaranteed ratings. To prove the charm of the program itself, the highest ratings cannot be lower than three points, which is the expectation we discussed in private."

   Three o'clock?

  Both Xiao Qiang and Yu Wenqiao were under a little pressure, and at the same time relaxed a little.

  The reason for the pressure is that their previous ratings were too low. They used to have ratings of 0.1 and 0.2. For them, a rating of 3 points has always been a number that they could not even dream of.

  The reason for relaxation is that the leaders did not compare the Cultural Central Plains with the rural life of Shonan Satellite TV because of Wang Cheng. If they want to get the same ratings as the rural life at 4 o'clock, then they are really not sure!

   After all, the ratings of more than four o'clock are really too far away for them, and even for the entire Central Plains Satellite TV, it is out of reach.

The highest ratings of Zhongyuan Satellite TV since its establishment was just over 3 o'clock. When the ratings of popular TV dramas were more than 50% more than 20 years ago, the highest ratings of Zhongyuan Satellite TV were only over 3 o'clock. Four o'clock, let alone this day and age...

  Even if there is a miracle in the ratings of Tomorrow Idol at 5 o'clock and Country TV's ratings at 4 o'clock, they dare not think about it!

   If the audience rating exceeds three points, it is their highest ideal.

Xiao Qiang thought for a while and said, "I think three o'clock has a good chance! There is a lot of attention on our program on the Internet. Since yesterday, I have been paying attention to the public opinion on the Internet. The gossip media broke the news with a rhythm to smear When it was Wang Cheng, I stood up as a director and spoke for Wang Cheng."

   "Now, many people are curious about what kind of program Wang Cheng can produce this time! They will definitely come to watch our program..."

  Yu Wenqiao also quickly said: "I mobilized the entire program team to help promote it. This is the time our TV station has received the most attention, and the ratings will definitely hit a new high!"

Liu Jie nodded, looked at Xiao Qiang and said, "Be more careful when you speak next time. Don't affirm or deny the questions and gossips from the outside world! Just express your support for Wang Cheng and say that you are happy with Wang Cheng." Yes, you admitted the fact that you broke the news like that, which has a lot of influence on Wang Cheng."

"I have already received more than a dozen calls from old friends asking whether Wang Cheng can cooperate. They saw that you admitted the truth, and they were very afraid of Wang Cheng. They were afraid that Wang Cheng would go to the program group and join the program group, and make them empty... "

   "I can only fool around with them."

Xiao Qiang smiled wryly, and said: "I didn't think carefully at the time, and I just wanted to help Wang Cheng. Later, I also answered a lot of calls, and I was also a friend of other TV station program groups to inquire about the situation, and I didn't say anything. They are also very afraid of Wang Cheng, they want to cooperate with Wang Cheng, but they are afraid that Wang Cheng will take away their power."

   "To be honest, I can understand them. When Wang Cheng wanted to take the lead, I and others were very repulsive. It turned out that we were too superficial..."

   "So, what I said on Weibo is from my heart. If Wang Cheng is willing to come again, I am willing to do anything!"

Liu Jie: "Those people think too much. The gossip media that broke the news is obviously pushed by someone. I won't guess who it is, but it should be close to ten. Now Wang Cheng himself is deeply in conflict. In trouble, they want to invite Wang Cheng to participate in the show, it's not that easy."

   "There is only one Wang Cheng!"

   "By the way, Lao Xiao, when the show is over, delete all the Weibo you posted yesterday."

  Xiao Qiang nodded: "Okay, when the show is over, I don't need the popularity for now, I will delete them all, so as not to cause trouble for Wang Cheng..."

  Yu Wenqiao asked curiously: "Which program will Wang Cheng appear on next time?"

  Liu Jie shook his head: "Who knows, Rubik's Cube Entertainment now connects to Wang Cheng based on his mood, and he chooses randomly from a bunch of programs that have not been followed and have no ratings. Anyway, it is impossible for Wang Cheng to be on a popular program..."

  Xiao Qiang's eyes flickered: "I really hope to work with him again, I have never admired an artist so much."

Liu Jie was full of admiration: "Who has worked with him, who doesn't want to keep working with him? Li Guang from Dragon TV, Wu Tong from Jiangsu and Zhejiang Satellite TV, Guo Shouxin from Tomorrow Idol, Zhang Huizhong from Shonan Satellite TV, Li Chi, they all have the same relationship with Wang Cheng has cooperated before, and has been in contact with Mofang Entertainment for quotations, and wants to cooperate with Wang Cheng again!"

   "What Zhu Ziqi and the others said is correct. Anyone who has come into contact with and understood Wang Cheng will be conquered by him."

   "I can understand why the four of them have been chasing Wang Cheng!"

  Yu Wenqiao: "There is no woman who does not want to chase after Wang Cheng, but others are not so confident and courageous. Only the four of them have this confidence and courage!"

  Both Liu Jie and Xiao Qiang nodded in agreement with Yu Wenqiao's words.

  They also went to Tomorrow Idol’s farewell performance to watch Wang Cheng’s performance, knowing that almost no opposite party can reject Wang Cheng’s charm…

  However, not many have the confidence and courage to act.

  However, I thought of the authentic painting of Wang Cheng that Wen Yixiao took away.

  Liu Jie was full of regret and longing: "It's a pity that Wang Cheng's works were not left behind!"

  Speaking of this, Xiao Qiang and Yu Wenqiao are also full of regret, but they are not so regretful, because they know that even if Wang Cheng really keeps the work, the two of them will definitely not get it!

   Moreover, they believed that even if Master Liu got it, he might not be able to keep it.

  The three of them were chatting, and the opening title of Cultural Central Plains appeared on the TV screen, and they all shut up for a moment, staring at the TV screen.

  Liu Jie picked up the phone and called his secretary: "Send the data to me as soon as it comes out."

  Secretary: "Okay, Mr. Liu, I will stay here. As soon as the data comes out, I will send it to you personally!"

  Liu Jie nodded, hung up the phone, and looked at the TV screen.

  He has been busy with meetings for the past two days, and he has never seen the edited film, and there is curiosity and anticipation in his eyes.

  …

   Zhang Huizhong and Li Chi came to the capital on a business trip to attend a meeting of the superior department, and were invited by Xie Xingfeng to his home as guests.

   At this moment, the three of them were sitting in the large living room of Xie Xingfeng's villa, watching the program of Zhongyuan Satellite TV together.

  Xie Xingfeng looked at the logo of Zhongyuan Satellite TV on the TV screen, and said with a smile: "This is the first time I watch Zhongyuan Satellite TV seriously. I hope Wang Cheng will not let me down."

Zhang Huizhong was eating fruit and sitting on the sofa relaxedly: "I heard from a friend of Zhongyuan Satellite TV that this time Zhongyuan Satellite TV attaches great importance to the program recorded by Wang Cheng. It is said that Wang Cheng performed very well and wrote an ancient poem on the spot. Everyone at the scene agreed, but I just want to ask about the content of the specific ancient poem, so I don’t know.”

   Li Chi sat quietly and didn't speak. He was just a small director before, but this time he came out to meet the big guys, he didn't dare to say more, for fear of saying the wrong thing.

  Xie Xingfeng asked seriously: "I heard that Wang Cheng emptied the program group, and the entire program group almost stopped. Is it true or not?"

Zhang Huizhong nodded affirmatively and said: "It's true. I asked three or four people, and they all said it's true! Most of the rumors on the Internet are true. Wang Cheng really dislikes the poor arrangement of their program group. So I asked him to follow his ideas, the station director Liu Jie supported Wang Cheng, and the program crew became negative!"

   "However, in the final recording, Wang Cheng's effect was very good, so no one in the program group dared to say anything!"

Xie Xingfeng nodded thoughtfully: "The skills are not as good as others, so they have nothing to say! However, it is indeed taboo to override the entire program group beyond their authority. That is to say, this time the program in the Cultural Central Plains was almost recorded by Wang Cheng? "

  Zhang Huizhong: "Not to mention all, most of them should be Wang Cheng's ideas!"

  Xie Xingfeng: "Then I have to take a closer look..."

  Zhang Huizhong looked at Xie Xingfeng: "What? Old Xie, you haven't given up yet? Still want to invite Wang Cheng to the Spring Festival Gala?"

Xie Xingfeng nodded: "Of course, who wouldn't want to invite Wang Cheng on the show now? I want to too! I've been trying to persuade those people, but it's not convincing enough! Last time, Wang Cheng's stunning performance in your rural life was a shock. Many people, the humble room inscription and the cultural heritage shown by the master-level cursive calligraphy are really eye-catching. The Beijing Calligraphy Association sent invitations to Wang Cheng, but unfortunately they didn't get a response, which made many people quite critical , I feel that Wang Cheng is playing too big and doesn't respect seniors!"

"This time the news of Wang Cheng's overhead program group came out, and the impact was even more serious. My previous efforts were almost in vain! You know, in the Spring Festival Gala program group, no stabbing is allowed, and any behavior must be obeyed. Otherwise, get out!"

  Zhang Huizhong and Li Chi both nodded in agreement.

   No matter how famous or talented a star entertainer is, when it comes to the Spring Festival Gala program group, they have to be honest and honest, and you must do what you are asked to do.

   Otherwise, it’s not just as simple as getting out, if you dare to offend the leader of the Spring Festival Gala program group, I’m afraid that the entire Chinese entertainment industry will be in trouble in the future.

After a moment of silence, Xie Xingfeng sighed and said, "If Wang Cheng has fallen into the struggle with Rubik's Cube Entertainment and no one pays attention, then that's fine. However, he has always maintained such popularity and has excellent works. If I can't invite him If he comes to the program group, then this year's Spring Festival Gala will really be a failure."

   "If Wang Cheng didn't come, Wen Yixiao wouldn't come either, even Zhu Ziqi refused! I really don't know what to say..."

  Xie Xingfeng was a little depressed when he said these things. After meeting Wang Cheng this year, he realized that his name was not so easy to use in the circle.

  Zhang Huizhong patted Xie Xingfeng on the shoulder: "Let's see if there are any surprises on the Central Plains Satellite TV program tonight. Maybe this will be your chance to convince those people?"

  Xie Xingfeng smiled wryly: "I hope..."

  The two stopped talking, and looked at the TV screen curiously and expectantly, because the Cultural Central Plains had officially started broadcasting.

   As soon as the screen comes out!

  It was a host who stood on the Luo River and began to explain this famous river in Chinese history, telling its historical stories, as well as some myths and legends.

  Xie Xingfeng looked at the opening, it seemed to be an ordinary cultural and educational program, and said with some disappointment: "It doesn't seem to have changed, right? Isn't this a cultural and educational program that caters to the policy? How will Wang Cheng and the others appear?"

  Zhang Huizhong and Li Chi were also a little disappointed.

   All three of them had high hopes for Wang Cheng.

   After all, it is rumored that Wang Cheng performed amazingly in the program group and even wrote a poem.

but…

   This doesn't seem to be what they imagined at all.

   A few minutes passed.

  The host is telling the story of Luohe.

  Wang Cheng, Wen Yixiao, Zhu Ziqi, Han Xiao, and An Keru didn't make any appearances...

   Li Chi murmured in a low voice: "Do you want to run into Wang Cheng and the others in the scenic spot? Many variety shows have such scripts..."

  Xie Xingfeng and Zhang Huizhong frowned slightly after hearing Li Chi's words. If the script was really like this, then they thought it was too rough and low-level...

  Zhang Huizhong shook his head and said: "In this case, even Wang Cheng can't get much ratings! The content of the program itself is still the most important."

  Xie Xingfeng and Li Chi also nodded in agreement with Zhang Huizhong's words, and they didn't have such high expectations for the ratings of Cultural Central Plains.

but!

In the picture, the host walked on the Luo River for a while, and after explaining for a while, he said: "Many people may be curious, what is the legendary God of Heluo like? I am also curious. Today, a guest happened to come to us Show me..."

   Next!

  The screen turns...

   appeared under the slightly shaking water.

  A woman in ancient costume swayed slightly in the water, ribbons fluttered from her arms, abdomen, and feet, and her long black hair fluttered like silk...

   Along with the music.

  The woman in ancient costume danced underwater. Every step and every movement was swift and elegant. She was flying like a frightened bird. With her amazing appearance, every audience was stunned.

  Xie Xingfeng, Zhang Huizhong, and Li Chi all fell silent, staring at the figures in the picture.

  The legendary Goddess of Luohe is nothing more than that, right?

  Xie Xingfeng said softly: "This is, Wen Yixiao?"

Zhang Huizhong also gradually woke up, but his eyes were still staring at the goddess flying in the water on the screen. He just felt that this perfectly fit his fantasy of the goddess of Luohe in his heart. He nodded and said, "It's Wen Yixiao, but this is her most beautiful part." A thrilling experience! The creativity of the underwater dance, the choreography, the costumes, and the lighting effects are all the best I have ever seen, and the real fairyland should be nothing more than this.”

   Li Chi praised: "This is the first time I have seen such a beautiful traditional dance. It is said that this is a dance choreographed by Wang Cheng. I don't know if it is true!"

Zhang Huizhong said with certainty: "It must be true. I heard from the program crew that Wang Cheng was busy choreographing from the beginning, so he didn't have time to pay attention to the program team, so he stopped work. Such a beautiful dance, if It was arranged by the program crew, and it will never be hidden."

  Xie Xingfeng stood up, looked at the scene carefully, took a deep breath, and said, "Such a beautiful dance performance appeared on Zhongyuan Satellite TV. Do you think it is a waste of money? If it appeared on the Spring Festival Gala, what a huge sensation it would cause?"

  Xie Xingfeng is always thinking about his work this year—the Spring Festival Gala!

  Watching Wen Yixiao who looked like a goddess in a fairyland on the TV screen, Xie Xingfeng's eyes were slightly red, envious and jealous in his heart, and the pressure was even greater.

if…

  If the dance program of this year's Spring Festival Gala is not so good, then this year's Spring Festival Gala directed by him is really useless!

  Even the most insignificant Central Plains Satellite TV can't compare...

  What is the significance of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala?

   At that time, it will definitely be sprayed to death by a large audience!

  The audience doesn’t care what pressure and difficulties your director team has. Anyway, they only saw that this year’s Spring Festival Gala is not as good as having you in spring and summer, not as good as tomorrow’s idol, not as good as rural life, or even not as good as the cultural center...

  Then Xie Xingfeng's plan to use the director of the Spring Festival Gala to further establish his coffee position and connections in the circle completely fell through.

Hearing Xie Xingfeng's words, Zhang Huizhong felt envy and jealousy in his eyes. He took a deep breath, suppressed his emotions, and his eyes still did not leave Wen Yixiao in the picture. Wen Yixiao's movement and stillness are full of beauty that makes people breathless: "Wen Yixiao first Once she showed her temperament so perfectly, this time, Wen Yixiao will explode again."

  Xie Xingfeng and Li Chi both nodded in agreement.

  Many fans and viewers have always called Wen Yixiao a little fairy, and her cold and dusty temperament is like a fairy descending to earth.

  However, Wen Yixiao has not integrated his unique temperament into the performances all the time.

  The dance on the TV screen at this time can be said to have perfectly brought out Wen Yixiao's own temperament, and with the help of choreography and underwater ambient lighting, Wen Yixiao has truly become a fairy, a goddess...

  They were used to seeing handsome men and beautiful women in the circle, and the bosses were shocked at this time, let alone many ordinary audiences.

  Wen Yixiao will definitely use this to explode again...

Along with the music, Wen Yixiao's dance also came to an end. The whole person flew through the water, and the ribbons and hair on her body fluttered together again, matching Wen Yixiao's perfect appearance and her aloof and unearthly temperament , This picture is breathtakingly beautiful!

   Then, Wen Yixiao slowly disappeared.

   Lines of text appeared on the screen, which are detailed records of the God of Heluo!

  Xie Xingfeng looked at the TV screen and said thoughtfully: "So, their show uses a dance to express a traditional cultural story? Then Wang Cheng, An Keru, Han Xiao, Zhu Ziqi and the others will perform later?"

  Zhang Huizhong nodded: "It should be like this, just like a unit drama. This time, the ratings will definitely skyrocket..."

  Xie Xingfeng nodded: "It is inevitable. Tonight, the ratings of Cultural Central Plains will not be low. I will call and ask when it is over!"

  A hint of envy flashed in Li Chi's eyes, and he thought in his heart that it would be nice to invite Wang Cheng to the last episode of the show...

  …

  Magic City.

  Shen Shenghui and Qin Yuhai stayed in the office together again to work overtime, watched the program of Cultural Central Plains together, and wanted to see what Wang Cheng's program was like this time.

   After watching Wen Yixiao's stunning performance...

  Qin Yuhai lit a cigarette slowly, looked at Shen Shenghui and said indifferently: "Do you think the ratings will be low this time?"

Shen Shenghui shook his head: "For this kind of performance, the ratings will not be low, and even Wen Yixiao will get huge benefits from it. This dance is indeed amazing. However, even if the ratings are not low, it is a fact that Wang Cheng is supervising the program group. It has already spread in the circle, and now many TV stations and program groups are afraid to cooperate with him, and our goal has been partially achieved."

  Qin Yuhai nodded: "Well, have you talked to him? Are you willing to sign a contract?"

  Shen Shenghui shook his head again: "I said it, but he ignored me, and he still doesn't want to talk about it."

  Qin Yuhai said affirmatively: "Then continue to intensify!"

  Shen Shenghui nodded: "Okay, Mr. Qin."

Qin Yuhai looked at Wen Yixiao who was like a fairy, and there was a hint of surprise and excitement in his eyes. If he hadn't known Wen Yixiao's background, he might have started to act, and asked softly: "The news from the program group , Wang Cheng wrote a poem, and also wrote an authentic copy to Wen Yixiao, is it true?"

Shen Shenghui: "According to the news I know, it should be true. I asked five or six people, and they all got the same news. This ancient poem is called Xia Ke Xing. It is said that it describes swordsmen in the heyday of Tang Dynasty, and it just corresponds to the program of Cultural Central Plains. Type! According to the people in the program group, Wen Yixiao brought the best pen, ink, paper and inkstone at that time, so Wang Cheng used Wen Yixiao's pen, ink, paper and inkstone, and wrote a copy for Wen Yixiao!"

  Qin Yuhai's eyes flickered, and he was still worried about not getting the original inscription of Wang Cheng's humble room.

  In the past two days, he attended the gatherings of the upper echelons of the two magic capitals. He heard several rich collectors talking about Wang Cheng’s humble room inscription, and he was trying to find a way to include this work in their collection room...

  If he can get the original inscription of Wang Cheng's humble room, then he can use it to win relationships with those rich people, and maybe use it to reach some cooperation.

   This is the circle!

  Not all rich people are collectors, but as long as some are real collectors, then others will become collectors, because in this way, there will be common topics, and we can talk about it together, and we can become partners and make a fortune together...

  Wang Cheng just wrote a humble chamber inscription. Because of its super high calligraphy standard and the excellence of the humble chamber inscription itself, it has attracted a lot of attention in the circle of literature, calligraphy, and collection circles.

   After all, it is a rare master-level calligraphy work. As long as it can be collected, it will definitely not lose money in the future, and it may become a stepping stone to enter different circles.

   Now Wang Cheng has written a new work...

   Is there any chance to get it?

  Qin Yuhai: "Wang Cheng brought back one?"

Shen Shenghui: "According to the news, it is indeed the case. He wrote two pictures on the spot, one in cursive script and one in cursive script. It is said that the standard is very high, but they don't know how high it is! According to the humble room inscription, the picture Running script should also be master-level calligraphy, but cursive script is not sure."

   "However, it is said that what Wen Yixiao took away was cursive script works. It stands to reason that Wen Yixiao would not be ignorant...but..."

  He wanted to say that Wen Yixiao would not be ignorant, and would not take away bad works.

  However, Wang Cheng's cursive script is already at the level of a master, better than the two old domestic running script masters, so how can Wang Cheng's cursive script be compared with the unique running script in the field of domestic calligraphy?

Qin Yuhai also understood Shen Shenghui's meaning. He closed his eyes and thought about it, and then said, "Take a chance and ask Wang Cheng if he has any intention of selling it. As for the price, let's wait and see the scene of the show to decide, at least one Be sure. The top-level master-level running script calligraphy alone is worth the price."

  Shen Shenghui felt bitter, he didn't want to ask Wang Cheng this...

  Because he knew that Wang Cheng might be too lazy to talk to him.

  However, he still agreed: "Okay, Mr. Qin..."

  The two continued to watch the TV screen, but their minds were not on the TV for the time being.

  …

   tuk tuk tuk...

   There was a knock on the door.

  Liu Jie quickly got up and went to open the door in person. The secretary at the door was standing there with a report.

  Liu Jie didn't say a word, just grabbed the report and read it immediately, looking expectant and nervous.

  Xiao Qiang and Yu Wenqiao also quickly got up and ran over in two steps, stretching their necks to look over!

   Just seeing the first few numbers...

  The three of them all showed a smile, but the trend chart made the smiles of the three of them stiff at the same time...

  (end of this chapter)