Chapter 142 was all for nothing.

The director, who was drinking tea, was so startled by Yu Li's sudden intrusion and her very direct question that he spat out his tea.

"Xiao Yu, really, why didn't you knock before coming in?"

Yu Li retorted, "So, Director, you decided on the deputy director directly without asking anyone in the station for their opinions?"

The director coughed, clearly a little guilty, and waved his hand, saying, "Xiao Yu, don't get too excited. Sit down, sit down, let's talk slowly."

"There's nothing to discuss about this. I just want to know why, at the meeting, it was said that the position of deputy director would be based on fair competition and performance."

"My 'Celebrity Interview' far surpassed 'Star Interview' in both its first and second episodes. Besides, 'Star Interview' has already been taken down due to alleged plagiarism."

"Then I'd like to ask the director, and the senior leaders of the station, what exactly are your evaluation criteria, and where did I lose to Qi Jianyue?"

Yu Li didn't think there was anything wrong with her direct questioning. She believed she had the ability and strength, even if she couldn't compare to the seniors who had been with the station for more than ten years.

But at least in comparison, she surpasses Qi Jianyue in every aspect.

So why was she eliminated, while Qi Jianyue, whose show was even taken down after being reported by netizens for plagiarism, surpassed her and took the position?

This is clearly a cover-up!

"Xiao Yu, your abilities and strength are certainly evident to everyone at the station, but this decision was made by the higher-ups after considering all aspects."

"The station has its own considerations, and although Qi Jianyue's program was taken off the air, her ability to attract investment is the best in the station..."

Before the director could finish speaking, Yu Li sneered: "So Lantian isn't producing news programs, but rather investment promotion? Since Lantian values ​​investment promotion so much, they shouldn't have hired broadcasters and hosts in the first place."

"Instead, they should recruit people with financial expertise or connections in multi-level marketing. Why bother with a TV program? They could just put commercials on it from beginning to end, wouldn't that solve the problem?"

Yu Li didn't hold back, tearing away the last veil of pretense, leaving the director's face turning pale and then black.

“Yu Li, how can you talk like that? I know you have objections to this decision. Since we’ve come this far, I might as well tell you the truth.”

"Just yesterday, Lantian's equity structure changed, with Tianhe Group becoming Lantian's largest shareholder. At the new shareholders' meeting, Qi Jianyue's appointment was made directly by the major shareholder."

"So even if you cause a huge uproar, it won't change the outcome, unless you decide you don't want to work here anymore."

As he spoke, the director softened his tone and patted Yu Li's shoulder earnestly.

“Xiao Yu, you’ve been with the station for over three years now, and it hasn’t been easy for you to get to where you are now. If you offend the higher-ups because of this appointment, all your efforts over the past three days will be in vain.”

"Moreover, it's not like the higher-ups haven't seen your achievements. They've even moved up the annual performance evaluation and put you first, which shows how much the station values ​​you."

"When I was your age, I was just a greenhorn. Your achievements are a role model for me. So don't worry, you're still young and have plenty of opportunities to rise. Don't be afraid of this one, right?"

Hearing this, Yu Li finally understood.

"I was wondering why they were already evaluating candidates before the end of the year. It turns out they knew that using connections was too obvious and they were afraid that their subordinates would make a scene."

"So after taking away the position of deputy director, they gave me the Employee of the Year award as a consolation prize?"

The words may be crude, but the principle is sound; Lantian's current shady tactics certainly embody this idea.

The director sighed and said, "This is a decision made by higher-ups, and it's not something I, as a director, can change, much less something you, as an employee, can question."

"Why can't I have any questions? Why can't I have any questions? For the past three years, whether I've been doing live news broadcasts or hosting a program, I've done my best and strived to do my best."

"I've let my strength speak for itself time and time again, yet I've always been outmaneuvered by Qi Jianyue. What fairness is there in Lan Tian's repeated underhanded tactics!"

The director was furious and slammed his fist on the table, "Yu Li, that's enough!"

Just as the atmosphere was becoming tense, Xu Hui rushed in.

"Director, Xiaoyu was just too angry and said those things in anger. After all, anyone would be upset in this situation. I will try to persuade her."

The director's expression softened slightly. "Luckily, I'm your boss. You could have just kept those things to yourself behind closed doors and vented to me."

"If this gets back to the higher-ups, you won't be able to keep your position as deputy director, or even as the best employee of the year."

With that, the director waved his hand and said, "Alright, the station has already issued a notice about this matter, and there's no going back. Everyone, go back to what you were doing."

Xu Hui took Yu Li away.

After leaving the director's office, Xu Hui finally breathed a sigh of relief: "When I found out you rushed into the director's office, I was really scared. I was afraid that you would impulsively slam your name tag on the director's seat and say that you quit."

Yu Li calmly replied, "Why should I quit? I'm not the one who got in through connections. Why should I give up my hard work over the past three years and leave in disgrace, only to let Qi Jianyue reap the benefits? I'm not stupid."

The heroic ambitions portrayed in TV dramas, such as taking off one's work badge and declaring quitting at the drop of a hat, are actually quite unrealistic.

If she lacked ability, that would be one thing, but since joining Lantian, Yu Li has consistently received excellent ratings every year, with her achievements far surpassing those of her peers.

If she quits because of one setback, wouldn't all her achievements just go to someone else?

Besides, she didn't get justice and just walked away like that. She was the one who suffered the most. If Qi Jianyue knew that she was going to resign because of this, she would probably be laughing in her dreams.

After all, if Yu Li, the biggest threat, were no longer around, Qi Jianyue could do whatever she wanted in the station, and who would dare to be on top of her?

Hearing Yu Li say this, Xu Hui felt relieved: "I knew it. No matter what, you are always calm and rational."

"If anyone should leave, it should be Qi Jianyue. I'd rather fight for pride than for a steamed bun. If I'm defeated by Qi Jianyue's underhanded methods, then my life of the first twenty-odd years has been wasted."

Xu Hui patted her shoulder, "It's good that you still have the will to fight. I was just afraid you would give up. Don't worry, no matter what, I'm on your side."

Just then, a colleague came over to announce a meeting.

As soon as Yu Li arrived at the conference room, she saw Qi Jianyue sitting in the seat that Ma Jiande had previously occupied.

Qi Jianyue, utterly shameless, arrogantly raised her chin at Yu Li like a victorious rooster.

"Yu Li, I'm really sorry. Although we joined Blue Sky at the same time, from today onwards, I will be your superior."