Chapter 150: Office Power Struggle
The workplace is a complex microcosm. Expecting harmonious relationships between all departments is often unrealistic. Take Thunder Entertainment's music department, for instance—Director Luo Qi and Deputy Director Fan Longhe represent two opposing factions.
In other words...
These two don’t get along.
Today’s scene is merely a glimpse into the ongoing power struggle between these two department heads. The employees in the music department have long grown used to it.
This also explains why, when Fan Longhe suggested changing the theme song for The Distance Between Us, everyone kept silent.
When the gods fight, mere mortals suffer.
After all, the theme song had already been decided by the director, and the tone was more or less set. But now, Fan Longhe, as the deputy director, wants to overturn it.
What kind of signal does this send?
It's clearly a declaration of war.
Fan Longhe is blatantly saying, "I don’t like the theme song you, Luo Qi, chose!"
"Director Luo," Fan Longhe smiled slightly, "I believe the theme song for The Distance Between Us isn’t up to par. If a better song comes along, we should consider replacing it. After all, we all want the best for this show."
"Is that so?" Luo Qi raised an eyebrow. "Don’t forget that the show is set to air in just about a month. The company won’t delay the broadcast for a single song. Besides, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the current song. So, are you saying my judgment is flawed?"
"Don't speak too soon," Fan Longhe responded calmly. "If the other party can produce a better song within a month, why shouldn’t we change it?"
Luo Qi asked, "And who is this 'other party'?"
"Master Xianyu," Fan Longhe answered.
Luo Qi wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with the name. "The composer of Big Fish, huh? But don’t you think a month is too short? And if we call Mu Ying to record the new song, she may not even agree to it."
"It may not necessarily be Mu Ying," Fan Longhe shook his head. "Master Xianyu will choose the singer himself. Of course, I’ll limit his selection to within the company. He also insists on personally overseeing the recording process since he’s currently in Qizhou."
The room immediately buzzed with conversation.
Master Xianyu had such demands?
Luo Qi stared at Fan Longhe, almost incredulous. "Who gave Master Xianyu such authority?"
Fan Longhe remained silent.
He had to admit that Xianyu’s request was a bit unorthodox, but this unusual request also gave Fan Longhe even greater confidence in Xianyu’s potential.
"Deputy Director Fan," Luo Qi said coldly, "are you the one who's lost your mind, or am I the crazy one here? You’re not only trying to replace Mu Ying’s song, but now you’re also suggesting she won’t even record the new one. Mu Ying is one of Qizhou's top-tier singers, and you expect her previous work to just go to waste?"
"How could it go to waste? That song still belongs to our company. We can release it later when the time is right," Fan Longhe reasoned. "Of course, I’ll try to convince Mu Ying to record the new song as well. After all, her voice is exceptional. But if Xianyu insists on someone else, I can’t help it."
"I don’t agree," Luo Qi said icily.
Fan Longhe stood firm. "Master Xianyu is an outstanding composer. A month is short, I admit, but I believe he can produce something even better than the current song. I have great faith in him."
"Faith?" Luo Qi scoffed. "It sounds to me like you’re just trying to prove me wrong, to show that my original choice was a mistake. Since you’re so confident in Xianyu, are you willing to take responsibility if this doesn’t work out?"
The atmosphere in the room tensed.
Now the real showdown was starting.
This was no longer just about replacing a song. It was a clash of egos between the director and the deputy director.
Whichever song the company ultimately chose would determine who had the upper hand.
And at this moment, it seemed like Luo Qi had the advantage.
Because Fan Longhe was gambling on the unknown.
No one knew if Xianyu could actually deliver.
And let’s not forget, there was only a month left!
Fan Longhe’s expression shifted. Even he didn’t know for sure if Xianyu could write a better song.
After all, the current theme song wasn’t exactly bad.
It had been carefully selected by Thunder Entertainment.
Fan Longhe just believed it could be improved.
His intention wasn’t to stir up conflict; he genuinely wanted the best for the show.
Today's meeting was supposed to be a simple reminder to the team not to finalize the theme song just yet. But Luo Qi’s sudden appearance had escalated the situation, forcing him into a corner.
He now realized he’d acted hastily.
In his eagerness, spurred by the mere mention of Xianyu's name, he had convened this meeting, and Luo Qi had pounced on his overconfidence.
Should he back down now?
Admit he was just testing the waters?
Doing so would cost him his authority. He wouldn’t be able to challenge Luo Qi in the future.
After a long pause, he finally spoke. "If Xianyu fails to deliver a better song, I’ll defer to you for all music-related decisions on the company's remaining three dramas this year."
"You said it!" Luo Qi was elated.
Fan Longhe was her only serious competition in the music department. Their ongoing battles were always over decisions like these.
"I said it." Fan Longhe looked her in the eye. "But if Xianyu’s song is better, how will you respond?"
"What does that have to do with me?" Luo Qi shrugged. "You’re the one challenging my choice and giving Xianyu all this freedom. I’m just the one you’re trying to prove wrong."
Fan Longhe stared at her.
Luo Qi knew she had to give something. She reluctantly muttered, "If Xianyu really comes up with something better, you can have the decision-making power on the next show."
"Deal," Fan Longhe agreed, not wanting to argue further. He knew he had acted rashly today; he should have waited for Xianyu's confirmation.
But now, there was no turning back.
If he hadn’t called this meeting, the company might have finalized the theme song, and he would’ve lost the chance to propose the change.
This was what he disliked about Luo Qi.
She was cautious, always playing it safe to protect her own interests.
Fan Longhe, on the other hand, valued the company’s success and aimed to achieve the best results, even if it meant taking risks.
Of course, he wasn’t entirely selfless.
He admitted he had his own ambitions.
His bold actions were also meant to earn the company’s recognition.
If he couldn’t outperform Luo Qi, he would always remain her subordinate.
So, at times, he had no choice but to take risks and push boundaries in order to seize the spotlight.
But this time...
He had gone too far.
Now, he had to bet on Xianyu producing a theme song better than the current one in just one month.
The problem was...
It wasn’t even clear if Xianyu would accept this challenging project.
And whether he could compose a better song—well, that was an even bigger gamble.
If this failed, Fan Longhe’s hopes for promotion would be dashed for at least the next two years.
His reputation had been built on his sharp musical instincts, which had allowed him to compete with Luo Qi.
"Looks like I've really taken a gamble this time..."
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