Chapter 30: It's Not Over Yet!

What did Zhang Yuan predict accurately?

The ratings!

Previously, Zhao Decai had been brimming with confidence, believing the film would achieve great results, but Zhang Yuan had thrown a bucket of cold water on him.

However, at that time, Fatty Zhao was so immersed in the joy of "having a film to broadcast for the first time" that he clearly didn't take his words seriously.

But this morning, after receiving the ratings report, he felt as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over his head, and only then did he remember Zhang Yuan's words.

"Not even 1%. We're dead," Fatty Zhao said in a despondent tone.

Human desire expands continuously with changing circumstances.

At first, Fatty Zhao felt that being able to buy a TV series that could actually be broadcast was enough to consider everything settled. But once the film was actually in his hands, he hoped for decent ratings—at least enough to break even.

Once he broke even, he would undoubtedly want to make a fortune from the film; it would be even better if he could make a name for himself in the Beijing film and television investment circles.

To desire more than one has attained is a common human flaw.

But he had been knocked back to square one before even reaching the second step.

The film had a pretty good reputation among the crew members of *The Story of a Noble Family*, but those actors and staff members were industry insiders, whereas the audience consisted of ordinary citizens.

Coupled with the fact that it was broadcast during the worst time slot—late at night—it wasn't surprising that the results were poor.

Zhang Yuan had anticipated this situation and had long since prepared a contingency plan.

"Zhang Yuan, I can't afford to lose money, can I?" Fatty Zhao asked cautiously.

"Of course not," Zhang Yuan comforted him.

"Looking at these ratings, no matter how I look at it, we won't break even!"

Zhang Yuan understood that the most important thing right now was to rebuild Fatty Zhao's trust in him, because there would be many more things requiring his financial support in the future.

His personal relationship with Zhao Decai was vital to Zhang Yuan's plans.

"Find a few local stations to broadcast it first. Even mosquito legs are meat; meanwhile, wait in line for a slot on the provincial television stations. Once our film hits the satellite networks, it will definitely be a hit."

After hearing this, Zhao Decai acted as if he were possessed by a talk show host: "Really? I don't believe you."

Zhang Yuan knew that further talk was useless; he had to find another way to regain trust.

What major events happened in 2002?

Many.

The Dalian Shipyard welcomed a giant vessel named the *Varyag*.

South-to-North Water Diversion, West-to-East Gas Pipeline, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the Three Gorges Dam... countless major events were quietly unfolding, destined to completely change the future of this ancient civilization.

But for ordinary people, especially football fans, a grand festival had arrived.

The 2002 World Cup!

"President Zhao, do you watch football?"

"Of course! I'm an old fan!" As soon as football was mentioned, Zhao Decai's previous gloom was instantly cast aside, and he became as excited as a child.

"I haven't missed a single World Cup match. This is the first time our Chinese team has made it to the World Cup. I get excited just thinking about it. With this as a start, maybe in another ten or so years, our country will have a chance to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy!"

*Then you're dreaming too big...* Zhang Yuan didn't know how to criticize him. Back then, everyone thought the 2002 World Cup was just the beginning, not knowing it was actually the peak.

In this era, General Fan's "classic examples of the national football team's incompetence" had not yet been born, so everyone was very optimistic.

A few days ago, while treating him to dinner, Zhang Yuan had realized it was already mid-June, and the World Cup group stages were currently underway.

"President Zhao, the group stage match between Portugal and South Korea is tonight. What's your take?" Zhang Yuan opened the topic.

"I'll watch it while lying down!" Zhao Decai was full of confidence, looking exactly like he did when the TV series was about to air. "What level is South Korea? They're playing the same game as Portugal?"

"Nuno Gomes, Costa, Couto, Xavier, and the true god, Figo!" Fatty Zhao listed them off like a seasoned expert.

"With this lineup, playing South Korea is like playing against a grandson. It'll be a walk in the park!"

How could they possibly lose with such an advantage?

"Oh, I actually think Portugal is going to lose," Zhang Yuan said in a very calm tone.

Indeed, on paper, that generation of Portugal was known as the "Golden Generation."

But later...

"What? Are you crazy? Even a kid who doesn't watch football knows how fierce Portuguese football is!"

After hearing Zhang Yuan's words, Fatty Zhao felt nothing but contempt.

Originally, he thought that although Zhang Yuan was young, he had great courage, spoke and acted appropriately, and possessed a convincing confidence.

But now, he felt that Zhang Yuan was nothing more than a penniless kid who hadn't seen the world.

"President Zhao, how about we place a bet?"

"Bet on what?" Zhao Decai already participated in football betting and had made a small profit over the last few days thanks to his experience, which made him even more confident.

"A bet of one million!"

"Do you even have that much money?"

"One million, but not in cash." Zhang Yuan finally showed his hand. "President Zhao, there are many investment opportunities in the film industry. If I win this bet, when I come to you for investment next time, how about I give you one million worth of shares?"

Since it didn't require cash and he was certain to win, Zhao Decai naturally agreed.

"And if you lose, you'll work for me in my films to pay off the debt."

"It's a deal!"

Zhang Yuan hung up the phone. Li Dawei, who was nearby and occasionally overheard snippets of the bet, was terrified.

"Zhang Yuan, you're crazy! Even without watching football, I know Portugal will definitely win."

Zhang Yuan smiled but did not respond.

Around seven in the evening, Li Dawei knocked on Zhang Yuan's door.

"Did you need something?"

"Let's watch the game together. Didn't you place a bet?" Li Dawei was carrying chicken feet, beer, and peanuts, looking as if he had robbed a convenience store.

"No need to watch. The win or loss isn't about the ball."

At the same time, Zhao Decai had turned on the TV, holding a wine glass in one hand and an arm around his secretary with the other.

"This kid Zhang Yuan is quite confident. Just wait until the match is over, and watch how I mock him!" Zhao Decai was even starting to prepare his insults.

The whistle blew, and the Group D match began.

At 22 minutes, Beto committed a foul in midfield, earning a yellow card.

Zhao Decai's heart skipped a beat.

A few minutes later, Kim Tae-young also committed a foul and received a yellow card.

"That's more like it. It is the World Cup after all; it's being fair."

At 27 minutes, Nuno Gomes tackled Park Ji-sung; because the movement was too heavy and aggressive, he was directly sent off with a red card!

Zhao Decai's heart raced; he no longer had the heart to stroke his secretary's leg.

A minute later, South Korea scored from a corner, but because Choi Jin-cheul collided with the Portuguese goalkeeper, the goal was ruled invalid.

*Phew...* Zhao Decai took several deep breaths, having been quite shaken.

The first half ended quickly, and the one-sided slaughter Zhao Decai had imagined did not occur.

But as the second half began, the real drama was coming!

At 12 minutes, Seol Ki-hyeon tackled Petit from behind, receiving a yellow card.

"What a joke!"

"Nuno Gomes's movement was the same just now, and he got a red card!" Even President Zhao in front of the TV saw that something was wrong.

At 20 minutes, Beto went in for a tackle, Lee Yong-pyo fell "into thin air," the referee pulled out a yellow card, and then combined it with the previous one—Beto was sent off with a red card.

"This... this, this..." Zhao Decai was dumbfounded. "That was clearly a dive!"

The match had only been going for over 60 minutes, and Portugal had already been reduced to nine men... no, wait, it should be nine against twelve, since the referee seemed to be on South Korea's side.

A few minutes later, Park Ji-sung scored, bringing the score to 1-0.

Zhao Decai was stunned.

Afterward, Portugal attacked several times but to no avail; even Figo, who had just been named World Player of the Year, could not successfully save his national team.

"Portugal... lost?"

Zhao Decai tilted his head, no longer possessing the confidence and high spirits he had before the match began.

At that moment, his phone rang. Stunned, Zhao Decai picked up the phone and looked at the caller ID.

[Zhang Yuan]

He answered the call, and Zhang Yuan's incredibly calm voice came from the other end.

"One million."

(End of Chapter)