Chapter 209: Is It My Fault That the Young Girl Likes Me?

A grand signing ceremony was held in the banquet hall of the Yanjing Hotel. Not only were several famous hosts from CCTV present, but many heavyweight figures from the arts and entertainment industry also attended the celebration. The event was indeed star-studded. The only reason CCTV would stage such a grand event was the collaboration between Zhou Ming and CCTV's advertising, and the exclusive sponsorship for the Spring Festival Gala.

Before the formal signing ceremony, CCTV had prepared an artistic performance for the event. Zhou Ming, watching the performance from behind the stage, said to Liang Gang, the deputy director of CCTV, "Director Liang, we could just go up on stage and sign the contract directly. There's really no need to prepare all these performances."

However, Liang Gang replied, "Mr. Zhou, that's not acceptable. You, Zhou Ming, have been awarded the Model Hero title and the Special Red Star Medal. If we don't make this ceremony solemn, it wouldn't be fitting for your status! It's a small effort for me."

Faced with Liang Gang's earnest explanation, Zhou Ming had nothing to say. He knew that with Liang Gang's position as deputy director, inviting these people was indeed effortless.

Three days had passed since Zhou Ming had been honored at Zhongnanhai. Although the ceremony was an informal event arranged by Elder Yang, Zhou Ming suspected that it might have been Yang's way of showing his stance on continuing reform and opening up, especially after the news of Dong Zhen's removal.

Even when Dong Zhen's positions were all revoked, the central government still acknowledged his achievements in reform and economic reform, without listing all his offenses as before. This itself was a statement. However, it was clear that this attitude alone was not enough.

Since the beginning of reform and opening up, the reformers and conservatives had been at odds, like pulling on opposite ends of a saw. With Dong Zhen, a strong advocate of reform, suddenly falling from power, there was bound to be someone seizing the opportunity to make a move. To prevent a rollback of history, Yang Dingguo chose to vigorously honor Zhou Ming, a pioneer of reform and opening up and a national hero who had resolved a major spy case, to demonstrate his firm stance.

Great figures often share similar perspectives. Since Yang Dingguo sensed the changes in Eastern Europe through Du Zhongyuan, he also anticipated the necessity of continuing reform and opening up.

Perhaps due to historical and personal limitations, Yang Dingguo couldn't fully grasp the global interconnectedness like Zhou Ming, but he understood the importance of a wealthy and strong nation. Otherwise, he wouldn't have said that poverty isn't socialism.

It was precisely because many people risked everything, even the danger of being executed, to escape the country that Yang Dingguo deeply understood the importance of reform. At such a critical juncture of global historical change, to ensure that the Party and the country smoothly transition through this period, he would only strengthen his stance, no matter the cost.

Of course, this was just speculation. Political attitudes are often more about implication than explicit statements.

At this moment, a sweet voice interrupted Zhou Ming's thoughts: "Mr. Zhou, are you the Zhou Ming who gave comments at the Spring Festival Gala rehearsal the other day?"

With more than twenty years of future memories, Zhou Ming was very familiar with this voice. Although it might sound a bit timid and shaky now, the tone and timbre revealed her identity. She was the young intern voice actress he had met at Studio 1, who would later become the renowned host of the Spring Festival Gala, Zhou Tao.

Zhou Ming turned and replied, "Is it really so surprising that I have a common face and people find it hard to remember me?"

"Of course not. Mr. Zhou, you have a very distinctive appearance," Zhou Tao hurriedly explained.

"Why does it seem that having a distinctive appearance is often a consolation for those who are not good-looking?" Zhou Ming joked.

"That's not it. Mr. Zhou, you look very good and charming. It's just that I might have not expressed myself well, causing a misunderstanding," Zhou Tao quickly said.

"Alright, Tao Tao, I was just teasing you. Don't be so nervous."

Zhou Ming smiled at Zhou Tao. After all, she was his favorite CCTV female host in his past life. Being a normal person, Zhou Ming did have some typical male thoughts and wanted to tease her a little.

Despite Zhou Ming's reassurance, Zhou Tao remained insistent, "But I still feel that my words weren't very good."

Seeing the stubborn girl in front of him, Zhou Ming shrugged, "Actually, I'm not as good as you say."

"Who said so? Mr. Zhou, you are truly amazing. I listened to your comments the other day, and they were very insightful and to the point! You are the most impressive and artistic person I've met. I also heard you were the first to start the stock market in Nanjing. You're really incredible! No matter what others think, I'm very much in awe of and like you!" Zhou Tao said excitedly.

Zhou Ming was momentarily stunned. He had said those things casually, not expecting the girl to take them so seriously. Moreover, despite meeting many girls since his rebirth, he was not a celebrity and didn't know how to handle such enthusiastic fans. Otherwise, Zhou Ming wouldn't have had to drag Su Han away so hastily at Yanjing University.

While Zhou Ming was feeling troubled, Su Han stepped forward and said to Zhou Tao, "You're Zhou Tao, right? Hello. On behalf of Zhou Ming, I thank you for your admiration and affection. However, considering you're currently just an intern at CCTV, you should focus on your work, alright?"

"Who are you?" Zhou Tao asked, frowning. Her sensitive nature quickly made her realize something.

To Zhou Tao's question, Su Han smiled slightly and said, "Little girl, I don't think it matters who I am. What's important is that you should have a clear understanding of your own position. Especially since you're working at CCTV, and you even attended the Spring Festival Gala rehearsal, you probably want to become a host. In that case, you should pay more attention to your behavior and actions. Don't casually reveal your emotions; it can be quite awkward."

Su Han's words made Zhou Ming view her with new respect. Her words were neither too harsh nor too mild but directly addressed the issue. More importantly, her demeanor exuded a sense of authority, even though she didn't reveal her relationship with Zhou Ming.

It seemed that Su Han, despite her previous lack of confidence when dealing with Lin Muqing or the enigmatic foreign girl Kaitlyn, was quite self-assured in front of Zhou Tao, who had just stepped out of school.

"Oh, I understand. I'm very sorry," Zhou Tao said, clearly overwhelmed by Su Han's authoritative presence. However, she quickly added, "But I won't give up. Just like you said, I'll work hard to improve myself and strive to become a renowned host at CCTV as soon as possible, to bridge the gap between me and Mr. Zhou!"

After saying this, Zhou Tao left, leaving Zhou Ming and Su Han with surprised expressions. Zhou Ming said, "I didn't expect the girl to be so stubborn."

Hearing this, Su Han turned with a hint of displeasure and said, "Well, it's all your fault!"

Faced with Su Han's complaint, Zhou Ming shrugged awkwardly. Although he felt a bit smug seeing two beautiful women vying for his attention, he was now somewhat guilty. Zhou Ming murmured, "Is it my fault if the young girl likes me?"

Zhou Ming then turned his head towards Liang Gang. Liang Gang, understanding the situation, tactfully deflected the issue and explained to Su Han, "Miss Su, this young comrade Tao Tao is just like that. Sometimes she doesn't grasp the nuances. I will definitely reprimand her properly when we get back."

Su Han pouted and said, "There's no need for that. I wouldn't want others to think I'm petty."

Zhou Ming felt unjustly caught in the middle again. At this moment, he sighed, realizing that managing multiple relationships and maintaining a delicate balance was a skill he didn't possess. After all, as someone who had been poor in his previous life, he wasn't adept at such complex social interactions.

At this time, the enthusiastic applause from the audience signaled the end of the performance. Liang Gang said to Zhou Ming, "Mr. Zhou, it seems the artistic performance was a success. Now it's time for the official signing."

Zhou Ming nodded. Following the host's enthusiastic introduction, Zhou Ming and Liang Gang walked up to the stage with high spirits, and the audience applauded once again.

The signing ceremony proceeded as usual. Zhou Ming and Liang Gang sat at the signing tables, with CCTV staff presenting the contract documents. The host solemnly introduced the contract's outline and the significance of the signing.

Soon, Zhou Ming and Liang Gang finished signing the documents and stood up to shake hands. Reporters, who had been waiting, rushed forward to capture the historic moment.

At the same time, a bottle of champagne was opened by the hotel. Zhou Ming and Liang Gang raised their glasses, with Liang Gang saying first, "Securing the exclusive sponsorship for CCTV's Spring Festival Gala is an innovative attempt. I am very pleased to collaborate with Mr. Zhou Ming, a highly talented businessman. I believe that our cooperation is a small step for CCTV but a giant leap in history!"

After Liang Gang finished speaking, applause erupted.

Zhou Ming smiled. He couldn't deny that people within the system

 were adept at making formal speeches. It was now his turn, and Zhou Ming said, "The CCTV Spring Festival Gala is an event organized by the central government to enrich the entertainment life of people during the Spring Festival, reaching thousands of households. Similarly, my Eight Treasure Porridge will also aim to reach every household. Therefore, I believe that our cooperation is a strong alliance, and the Spring Festival Gala will become a brand, as will my Eight Treasure Porridge!"

Zhou Ming's words were met with enthusiastic applause. In the crowd, Zhou Ming noticed Zhou Tao's excited, blushing face as she clapped vigorously, shouting, "Great! Mr. Zhou Ming, you spoke wonderfully!"