I Run a Restaurant in a World of Natural Disasters

Chapter 119: Chapter 103: Making a Show

Cindy was stunned speechless.

As a journalist, she’d seen a lot.

She’d never been on an "out-of-city food tour," but she’d heard of them.

Those were ridiculously expensive, a luxury service!

"Out-of-city food tours aren’t for just anyone. They cost thousands, at the very least. Can’t you host it inside the city? You have to understand, with that requirement, you’re eliminating at least ninety percent of your potential customers," Cindy advised, her intentions good.

Even for the highest earners in the First Ring, a few thousand wasn’t just pocket change.

’The target demographic is too small.’

Ning He nodded. "Correct. We have to go outside the city because I plan on using ingredients that can only be found out there."

Cindy gasped again.

"Are you talking about those... those mutated species from outside the city?"

After she spoke, a realization dawned on her, and she stared at Ning He in disbelief.

"Don’t tell me... you know how to cook them?"

Ning He nodded. "Not all of them, but I can handle most. From a culinary standpoint, these mutated species actually have a lot in common with the vegetables and meats we’re used to. You just have to get a little creative."

This was an understatement. ’With the system’s prompts, I know the exact culinary value and ideal preparation method for every mutated species. There’s practically zero cost for trial and error.’

Cindy was at a complete loss for words, her mind reeling from the shock.

’Not only are they leaving the city, but they’re going to eat the aggressive and dangerous mutated species described in our textbooks? Are they... tired of living?’

For Cindy, who had never set foot outside the city walls, Ning He’s idea was clearly beyond shocking.

"Um... do you need a photographer? I can help for free!"

Startled by Karen’s voice, Cindy turned to look at him, her eyes wide with astonishment.

"Karen, what... what are you saying?!"

Karen’s face was flushed, likely from excitement, and his eyes shone with it.

"Cindy, don’t you think Miss Ning He’s idea is absolutely brilliant? All the shows and videos we’ve shot before have been lukewarm at best—cookie-cutter, really. A culinary expedition with a dash of adventure and mystery... I think it’s incredibly compelling! It’s guaranteed to be more captivating than any program we’re working on now. I’ve been a photographer for years, waiting for a moment just like this, to capture something genuinely exciting with my camera." As he spoke, Karen stroked the camera beside him, his expression turning wistful. "It’s just a shame that, in the name of survival, we’re forced to hide behind these walls forever."

"Miss Ning He, if you want to create a bigger promotional splash, let me accompany you outside the city to film a short documentary on-site. I guarantee the results will blow your expectations out of the water. There are far more people in Beiluo City who crave adventure, like me, than you’d ever imagine."

Ning He stared in surprise at the young man, who was usually so quiet and focused on his work. She suddenly realized she’d overlooked something crucial.

She’d forgotten just how starved for entertainment the residents of Beiluo City were. Even a top tycoon like Gates had few options for daily amusement.

All their manpower and resources were dedicated to surviving natural disasters.

"Karen..." Cindy was too shaken by his speech to respond.

After a moment, she took a deep breath. "Alright, I get it. I’ll go back and fight for this with my editor-in-chief. You’re right. This is an incredibly compelling idea. If I pass this up, I know I’ll regret it when I’m old. Ning He, wait for my good news."

Once her mind was made up, Cindy became Ning He’s staunchest supporter. As soon as the video shoot was over, she rushed back to the television station and closeted herself in an office with her Editor-in-Chief, Liang Hui, for a full hour.

"...Cindy, we’ve never produced a show like this. The risk is too high. What if someone gets hurt...?" As editor-in-chief, Liang Hui naturally had more to worry about.

"Sister Hui, the security firms in Beiluo City have always been around and are doing just fine. That proves there’s a constant demand from residents to leave the city. Whether our station gets involved or not, these people are going to do it. So why can’t we be the ones to document it and give them a wonderful memory to look back on?" Cindy argued, making her case. "Security will be handled by professionals; the station won’t have to assume that responsibility. As for the crew, Karen and I can sign liability waivers. If something really happens, it will have been our own choice."

"Cindy..." Liang Hui was taken aback.

"Sister Hui," Cindy’s gaze suddenly darkened. "The earthquake a couple of days ago... Beiluo City had nearly a thousand casualties, and more than three hundred people lost their lives. Maybe something like that will happen to me one day. I’m not afraid of dying. I’m just afraid of dying without ever having done something truly meaningful. Sister Hui, please, let us try!"

Seeing Liang Hui frowning in thought, looking deeply conflicted, Cindy decided to press her advantage.

"Even if we don’t shoot it, they’ll just find someone else. Can you really bear to let such amazing content slip through our fingers? If we can feature this event on our official channel, it’s bound to attract the attention of the entire Alliance. Are you really willing to pass up such a great promotional opportunity?"

That was the perfect argument, striking right at the heart of the matter and swaying Liang Hui.

Beiluo City was practically unknown across the Alliance. If they could use this to generate some buzz, they might attract investors or even new residents from other cities. It would be a huge boon for Beiluo City’s development.

Liang Hui considered this for a moment, then finally nodded.

"Draw up a complete show proposal for me first. We’ll hold a team meeting and vote on it. If it passes, I’ll give it the green light."

An ecstatic Cindy surged forward and gave her a bear hug.

"Thank you, Sister Hui! I promise I won’t let you down!"

The next day, buzzing with excitement, Cindy called Ning He to share the news.

Ning He was a bit dumbfounded on the other end of the line.

’Weren’t we just talking about a promotional video? How did that turn into a whole dedicated program?’

’Isn’t that a bit of a leap?’

But faced with Cindy’s earnestness and passion, Ning He couldn’t bring herself to say no.

Cindy wanted to ask for Ning He’s opinion on the show’s specific format.

But Ning He had to get Macken’s opinion as well.

So, Ning He simply took Cindy with her and went to Seven Wolves Street again on Thursday morning.