Chapter 58 - Finale (1/2)

***

In a certain Radio Station

Director Ma felt awkward as he looked at Yu Dong, who made a sudden appearance in his office. Blinking rapidly, he incredulously asked: “You…you’re asking for maternity leave?”

“Yes, I hope you’ll approve it.” Yu Dong was a little embarrassed. “I know that I’m being irresponsible asking for leave just when the show’s becoming more popular. But you can be rest assured: I will persevere until you find a good successor.”

“That’s not…” Director Ma waved a hand, “Are you married? Why didn’t I know this? Didn’t you come to our radio station after recently graduating?”

“I came to the radio station the day after I got married. We haven’t done our wedding though.” Yu Dong smiled and awkwardly invited him, “If you have the time, please come.”

“Why didn’t you say that in the first place? If I knew you were a newlywed, I wouldn’t have given you the midnight slot.” Director Ma was surprised.

Yu Dong laughed but said nothing.

“Well…” Director Ma thought for a while before saying, “I wanted to tell you later on since it hasn’t been finalized, but since you’re pregnant, I’ll tell you in advance as a present.”

“What’s the matter, director?” Yu Dong saw puzzled.

“Ever since you started Midnight Phantom, our listener ratings have steadily risen. You’re practically our golden ace right now.” Director Ma said, “Especially last year, when you saved a lot of people from that highway accident. Even out district governer praised you by name! There was also that dangerous listener that you handled quite well, you’re very prominent ah!”

“Director I’m flattered by all your praise, but it was something anyone would do.” Yu Dong stayed modest.

“I’m not exaggerating, your accomplishments are obvious. In fact, the Big Boss in Taiwan has long noticed you.” Director Ma said.

“Big Boss?” Yu Dong wondered.

“City TV Station is planning a new interview series and the producer of the show is interested in you, wanting you to be the host. They’ve been in touch with us already.” Director Ma laughed.

“City TV? A talk show?” Having such a big pie fall out of the sky and onto her lap, Yu Dong was stunned.

“A TV show can be recorded beforehand so you wouldn’t need to stay up so late.” Director Ma said, “This is a great opportunity for you.”

The radio station moved quickly after that. In less than two weeks, a new host had been found to take over Yu Dong’s program.

Tonight was the last time Yu Dong would be hosting Midnight Phantom.

“Hello everyone, this is FM9666, I welcome everyone back after the advertisement. This is DJ Fish Jelly. I’ve said this line countless times, but now that this is the last time I’m saying it, Fish Jelly is reluctant. Everyone knows by now that this will be the last time I’m hosting Midnight Phantom, and I’m not sure if I can come back.”

Yu Dong watched her computer screen, the messages constantly scrolling past gradually making her tear up.

Yu Dong looked up and saw the time. There was still half an hour before the broadcast ends. Yu Dong tried to keep her spirits up as she followed the usual procedure: “Alright, let’s see what stories the Ms. Beauties and Mr. Strongs have for us tonight.”

“Hello, this is Fish Jelly.” Yu Dong connected a call.

“Is it connected? Are we through?” A girl’s voice could be heard. She was clearly very excited, like she couldn’t believe she was talking on the radio.

“Ms. Beautiful, hello.”

“Ah! Ah!” The girl happily cried out, “I’m finally a Ms. Beautiful.”

“Don’t be so excited, quickly introduce us…”

Yu Dong listened to the cacophony of voices on the other end of the line and couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

“Yes, hello Fish Jelly. Me and my classmates are all big fans.” The girl introduced. “We have a total of three girls and five boys. We are all Huada University students.”

“Hello Fish Jelly, I’m Ms. Beauty no. 2”

“I’m Beauty no. 3”

“We are Mr. Strong 1-5.”

“Who told you to represent us?” a male voice complained.

“Introducing us one by one is too troublesome.”

“Hello!” Fish Jelly greeted all of them with a happy voice.

“We often do projects and homework late into the night, and we love listening to your program together.” Ms. Beauty no. 1 explained, “But we never had anything interesting to say, so we never called. But a few days ago you mentioned that you’re pregnant and that you’ll be leaving Midnight Phantom, so we wanted to congratulate you!”

“Thank you!”

“We wanted to say…without you, there wouldn’t be a Midnight Phantom, and there wouldn’t be any Ms. Beauties and Mr. Strongs.” Ms. Beauty no. 1 continued, “So we decided that no matter what, we were going to be beautiful and strong tonight.”

Suddenly Yu Dong felt like crying. It turned out that beauty and strength weren’t just synonyms, but an integral part of the program. Them saying this was a special affirmation just for her.

“So just now, we each called the hotline. Fortunately, we got through.” When Ms. Beauty no. 1 finished, many voices could be heard echoing her sentiments.

“Fish Jelly, ” Ms. Beauty no. 1 became excited again, “We don’t have any special stories to share, but we just wanted to tell you, may this night be warm for you.”

“Fish Jelly, I wish for you and your baby to stay happy and healthy!”

“Be happy!”

“We’ll wait for you to come back!”

……

As the Ms. Beauties and Mr. Strongs continued to convey their best wishes, Yu Dong finally let her tears drip down.

Her computer continued to scroll, several messages showing on the screen.

[ The sister is right! ]

[ She’s speaking from everyone’s hearts! ]

……

“This is the first time I’ve been so reluctant to part with someone I’ve never met.” Ms. Beauty no. 1 said.