150: Zhang donated money

The Host felt a bit stiff; what was he trying to do?

The Host asked, bracing himself:

“Then what suggestion does Teacher Zhang have?”

Zhang Yabo stood up and said, “I just saw the thirteen single-parent family groups introduced by the Program Production Team. I sympathize with them for losing their husbands and the children for losing their fathers. However, as far as I know, the wives and daughters of martyrs enjoy state pensions. I think they probably aren't that short on money.”

“Their situation is indeed very sympathetic, but I feel this one million fund should be placed in the hands of those who truly need it. The eighty-plus children at Hope Primary School live in difficult conditions; many families can't even afford meat a few times a month, and some children can only eat one meal a day. Children are the hope of our motherland, so I believe this money should be spent on them.”

The Director in the control room was furious. Could this person stop being so self-righteous? Did he not understand the rules of the show?

The Host stood on stage feeling a bit awkward; this was the first time he had encountered an artist causing trouble right on stage.

But there was no choice; since he was the Host, he had to take responsibility for the show.

The Host said, “Teacher Zhang is kind-hearted and a role model for all of us to learn from, but the result has already come out.”

The Host's meaning was that the result couldn't be changed, so he should just stop talking, but Zhang Yabo acted as if he hadn't heard a word.

Zhang Yabo: “I know only the group chosen by the champion can get this money, but I truly want to think for the children in the mountains; otherwise, I wouldn't have chosen them back then.”

“Since I lost, could I please ask Lu Qingyu to swap the groups we represent with me? On behalf of those eighty-plus children in the mountains, I thank you.”

“I still believe the money should be spent where it is needed most.”

Zhang Yabo spoke with such sincerity, as if he truly wanted to seek welfare for the children in the mountains, his every word displaying his kindness and sense of the big picture.

The Director's face was now incredibly dark. Who did he think he was? This behavior was like lecturing the Program Production Team.

Zhang Yabo didn't care if his actions offended the Program Production Team. What was wrong with openly trying to fight for the rights and interests of vulnerable groups?

At this time, the topics his Agent had pre-boosted also started trending.

More and more people were watching the live stream for the drama, and Zhang Yabo's people began to stir up the sentiment in the comment section.

[Teacher Zhang is really kind; he has always been dedicated to charity work. I think he's right.]

[Charity should spend money on those who truly need it; I think Teacher Zhang is right.]

[The children in the mountains are so pitiful; their tuition is paid in potatoes. Not only do they eat poorly, but they also wear old clothes and shoes. So pitiful.]

[Why do I smell a hint of 'green tea' here?]

[Am I the only one who feels this is a bit like moral kidnapping?]

At this moment, everyone's eyes fell on Lu Qingyu. The other guests felt that all the pressure of the show was now on him.

Agreeing to this wouldn't be good, and neither would refusing. Zhang Yabo was putting Lu Qingyu on the spot, leaving him in a difficult position.

But Lu Qingyu was not someone to be bullied so easily.

Everyone saw Lu Qingyu raise his microphone: “I think Teacher Zhang is right.”

After Lu Qingyu said this, the audience erupted into an uproar. Many people felt this was inappropriate, especially for the thirteen single-parent families.

It wasn't that they cared so much about the money, but it was a matter of fairness. Doing this would make people feel very uncomfortable.

If Lu Qingyu agreed, it would disappoint many people, and he would be accused of having no mind of his own.

Zhang Yabo felt a surge of joy, not expecting Lu Qingyu to fall for it so easily.

But then Lu Qingyu continued, “However, rules are rules.”

The expression on Zhang Yabo's face vanished. “So, you're disagreeing?”

This question was malicious; if Lu Qingyu disagreed, it would mean he had no sympathy for the children.

Lu Qingyu glanced at Zhang Yabo without answering his question, instead continuing, “Whether it's the children of the Hope Primary School in the mountains, the elderly living alone, sick children, or the group of single-parent families I represent, I believe they are all very deserving of sympathy. This show is a public welfare program, and I participated in it to contribute love to society.”

“In my heart, love knows no size. It is my honor to have won the competition today and earned a reward for others. I know Teacher Zhang is particularly fond of charity and is a very famous charity ambassador, right?”

Zhang Yabo didn't know what Lu Qingyu was trying to say. “I wouldn't dare call myself a charity ambassador; I just can't bear to see others suffer and always want to do my best to give them a hand.”

Lu Qingyu smiled. “Then my thoughts truly coincide with Teacher Zhang's.”

Zhang Yabo: “So you agree?”

Lu Qingyu gave a wicked smile. “As I said before, the rules of the show are rules. So, I believe the Program Production Team's one million should still be distributed normally to the group I represent according to the original rules. However—”

Lu Qingyu left them in suspense, and everyone looked at him, wanting to know what he was thinking.

After saying 'however,' Lu Qingyu glanced at Zhang Yabo, who suddenly had a bad premonition.

Lu Qingyu smiled wickedly. You want to set me up? Today, I'll make you bleed money.

“But I also sympathize with the others, so I have an idea. Teacher Zhang and I will personally contribute another sum of money to donate to the other four groups. And I promise here that whatever Teacher Zhang donates, I will donate double that amount.”

After Lu Qingyu finished speaking, Zhang Yabo felt like spitting blood. He fucking joined the show to make money, not to spend it.

Lu Qingyu continued, “In other words, if Teacher Zhang donates one million to the children in the mountains, I will donate two million. If Teacher Zhang donates ten million, I will donate twenty million.”

Lu Qingyu spoke with passion, and the audience was moved by his emotions, breaking out into thunderous applause.

Zhang Yabo now wished he could poison Lu Qingyu mute. Who wanted to donate money to them? And one million? What kind of dream was he having?

Zhang Yabo instinctively wanted to refuse, but the audience was suddenly excited, and several cameras were pointed at him. The show was live, so Zhang Yabo suppressed his impulse.

He gritted his teeth and forced a smile at Lu Qingyu. This kid is so damn insidious.

Lu Qingyu shifted his stance on stage, the smile never leaving his face. “So, Teacher Zhang, how much do you plan to donate?”

Now it was everyone's turn to focus their gaze on Zhang Yabo. He started sweating again, feeling for the first time like an arrow on a bowstring that had to be released.

Now he was forced to donate. On the surface, it seemed like Lu Qingyu was taking the hit because he said he'd donate double, but the key was that Zhang Yabo didn't care how much Lu Qingyu donated; he just didn't want to pay at all. But there was no way out, so Zhang Yabo could only say:

“Since you've put it that way, then I will donate four million.”