Brother Dao Took the Entertainment Industry by Storm, Fans Beg Me Not to Kill Anymore

Chapter 729: Artifact Damage, Astronomical Compensation Claim?

As for the other segments, those were essentially Xiao He and Pu Rong's tasks to handle.

The game segments were generally very simple, even more mind-numbingly idiotic than the games on *Daily Happiness*. It was clear that after the *Fearless Journey* incident, the current program team had become extremely cautious about guest safety during the games.

It was just that it was so incredibly boring, yet they still had to pretend it was interesting and funny.

Xiao He: ...This was really trying to force something out of nothing.

It was obvious the program team had run out of ideas.

However, one thing the show did well in leveraging fan economy was that among the live audience, there were many genuine fans.

Most of them were Little Box fans who had received the news and rushed to the scene specifically.

No matter what Xiao He did, the audience erupted in cheers. Even for the simplest, most boring little games, everyone responded enthusiastically with shouts and screams.

This actually made Xiao He feel a bit embarrassed.

He had originally just come to go through the motions, to show his face. But now, with everyone being so passionate, wouldn't it seem inexcusable if he didn't put in a bit more effort?

So, in the end, Xiao He performed the Bone-Cleaving Knife Technique once more, drawing gasps of shock from the entire venue. Pu Rong also followed up with a set of his family's traditional martial arts, earning rounds of applause.

These two truly relied on their solid skills to once again prove how perfectly matched they were to their roles in *Thief Catcher 2*. They were absolutely Jiang Rushu and Shen Jue in the flesh!

Many people had only ever seen Xiao He's Bone-Cleaving Knife Technique in the movie or in short videos, and some still suspected it was video editing or special effects. Having never witnessed such a thrilling grand spectacle live, they were all utterly blown away. Even the resident host was left with his jaw dropped, and the program director backstage was grinning so wide his eyes were almost invisible.

"We've got content! We've got content! This weekend's Hot Search is definitely ours on *Mars Collision*!"

This newly appointed program director rubbed his hands together, as if finally seeing hope for his career.

So what if *Daily Happiness* had the film crew from a major May Day season blockbuster project?

They had *Thief Catcher 2*! They had Xiao He!

With that final live knife technique, who could resist tuning in for a look?

Hehehe, topics, heat, ratings—we're taking it all!

-

Soon, this episode of the variety show wrapped up smoothly.

This episode was scheduled to air the following week, on the last Saturday before May Day.

For the various films in the May Day season, this timing was undoubtedly a crucial juncture. The success or failure of the pre-sale box office sprint hinged on this moment.

But the work from here on out wasn't Xiao He and the others' responsibility.

Since *Mars Collision* was now a project under Lin Yipeng's family, the post-production team would definitely favor their film crew, offering vigorous promotional support.

This was something *Daily Happiness* couldn't compete with.

As Xiao He walked backstage, Lin Yipeng, who had been watching closely from the audience, and the program director immediately approached him.

"Great work, great work. This recording went very smoothly. Thank you all for your cooperation."

The newly appointed director of the program team had been headhunted by the Lin family from elsewhere after the *Fearless Journey* incident. He was a new arrival to the team, with the surname Qi. He was a fairly smooth operator, sharp in speech and action, leaving no room for criticism. His attitude toward Xiao He was also very friendly.

"Thank you. This time, it's thanks to Director Qi and everyone on the program team too."

Xiao He didn't take these compliments for granted. Instead, he reciprocated the courtesy with equal humility. Meanwhile, Qu Qiuyan, who had come off stage with them, had already headed to the backstage lounge.

Since the final emotional segment led by Qu Qiuyan was already the last segment of the show, Qu Qiuyan's eyes were still a bit red as she stepped off stage. Lin Yipeng followed her, holding tissues and a mirror.

Pu Rong glanced at the scene, pursed his lips, and started to take a step to follow, wanting to help comfort her, but Director Qi quickly intercepted him.

"Hey, Teacher Pu, it's better not to disturb them at a time like this."

Director Qi proposed with a cheerful smile.

Xiao He also nodded. "Just let Director Lin and Teacher Qu chat for a while."

Qu Qiuyan and Lin Yipeng were mother and son. Having just exposed an old wound, she was bound to be in a bad mood. With a few outsiders like them hovering around during a family conversation, it really wasn't appropriate.

So it was best they didn't intrude.

"Ah, you're right."

Pu Rong realized the situation too and scratched his head a bit sheepishly. "I didn't think it through."

"Hehe, it's not a big deal. I'm sure Teacher Qu and Director Lin won't mind."

Director Qi smoothly defused the situation with a smile, and then the group continued walking out.

-

As soon as they reached the hall in the back, Xiao Chen came rushing over hurriedly.

"Brother Xiao, urgent matter! This is Sister Liu's call!"

"Huh?"

Xiao He was taken aback. First, he nodded to Director Qi, then said his goodbyes to Pu Rong before following Xiao Chen further out while picking up Liu Rulan's call.

"Hello?"

"Is the show recording over?"

"Yes."

"There's been a problem with the *Imperial Enterprise* film crew. Filming has been suspended now. I'm guessing the news that you were recording the variety show there today won't stay hidden. By now, the broadcast studio's exterior should be swarming with journalists and paparazzi. Stay safe, find a way back first, don't let them corner you, and don't answer any questions they ask."

"What?!"

Xiao He was completely blindsided by the bombshell Liu Rulan dropped on him right away.

Something happened with *Imperial Enterprise*?

And filming was suspended?

What the hell?

Why?

What major event had occurred?!

But before Xiao He could continue asking, he heard other voices on the other end of Sister Liu's call. "Sister Liu, the operations team is also asking for our stance. Director Chou is heading to Beijing now. We..."

The voices on the other end started to get chaotic. Xiao He couldn't make it out clearly, only catching Liu Rulan's decisive reply: "I understand. I'll be right there to handle it. First, get them to start an online meeting. Also, ask who else from the film crew is coming along..."

In the end, Liu Rulan didn't even have time to say another word to Xiao He before hurriedly hanging up.

Listening to the "beep beep" tone on the other end of the line, Xiao He immediately sensed that this matter was no simple affair.

Xiao Chen promptly handed over the phone he had prepared. On the screen was the trending hot topic currently blowing up on Weibo—

[*Imperial Enterprise* Film Crew Damages National-Level Artifact, Faces Astronomical Compensation Claim!]

"National-level artifact?"

Seeing that headline, Xiao He's mind went blank for a moment. When he snapped out of it, his expression instantly turned grim.

"So, the national-level ancient artifact they're talking about... it wouldn't be that authentic calligraphy by Emperor Chen borrowed from the Yun Family, would it?"

Xiao He sucked in a sharp breath of cold air.

"Wait, when did this happen? How much of the plot have I already missed?!"

Although he had been saying he wanted to clock out earlier, this wasn't the kind of 'clock out' he meant!!