It was confirmed that the director who appeared in the second issue of "Xiaan's Star Cabin" was Grace, and it was confirmed that Xia An was indeed the heroine of "Return to Earth" After that, Xia An's worth skyrocketed in the country.
Originally, he was just a banned 18th-line vase star, and his career situation should be in a bleak state, but no one thought of it.
Just such a starlet who was blocked and refused to be hired by all directors and program groups, she managed to find a way out in this near-desperate state.
Moreover, it is still a broad road, and the star career after this will be wider than many people!
The female number one directed by Grace? And it's an authentic Hollywood special effects blockbuster, and it's really the lead actress with the most scenes, not the lead actress in a soy sauce vase.
Needless to say, after the movie is released, Xia Anna will definitely be promoted to a first-line actress!
If the acting is really good, then maybe it will win awards at international film festivals.
After all, for a film directed by Grace, it is normal for the hero and heroine to win awards.
Even if she doesn't win an award, Xia An's future stardom, not to mention her international status, her domestic status is definitely not comparable to that of other female stars!
No matter how you say it, Xia An's current momentum is really unstoppable, and she is definitely the only one among all domestic female stars!
It really makes all the female stars envy and hate!
So for the first time, Xia Jinghao wasn't the only one working on Hei Xia'an's navy.
Other female stars who were jealous of Xia An and thought Xia An was a threat to them also hired sailors one after another, trying to splash dirty water on Xia An.
What kind of funder theory, what kind of support, what kind of starlet with no background can't get such a good resource at all, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Even without any evidence? That doesn't matter, as long as it creates an influence on public opinion.
It's just a pity that after Xia Jinghao's previous waves of water splashed dirty water.
And it was still such a well-founded and well-founded dirty water. The brainwashing crowd violently attacked Xia An online, but they all got slapped in the face.
And it's the kind of face that is swollen from beatings, so now this kind of dirty water without evidence
I'm sorry, those people who eat melons don't want to be slapped in the face anymore!
Therefore, the current Xia An has really been whitewashed and can no longer be white. If anyone wants to pour dirty water on Xia An, it really can't be done.
Even if it is to hire sailors and marketing accounts, it is tantamount to wasting money.
After all, the series of face slaps this time really gave all the people who eat melons a very profound education.
-U.S-
"Hahaha, Tiantian, you girl, I found that you are usually quite soft, but this time you managed to handle the matter really vigorously and resolutely, that's called ruthless!"
Han Yue brought Xu Tiantian to the new hotel where Xia An was staying, and he felt emotional.
Originally, he picked Xu Tiantian for Xia An, but he didn't expect Xu Tiantian's ability to work.
He just found the safest candidate at Xia An's request.
But I didn't expect it, Xu Tiantian usually looks quite honest and soft, but I didn't expect it!
This time I showed him such a hand.
It shocked all the domestic public opinion that was not good for Xia An, and gradually gained Xia An a lot of fans.
"How did you come up with Xia An's small study class? You are really talented!"
Listening to Han Yue's words, Xia An also looked at Xu Tiantian curiously.
As the name suggests, Xu Tiantian is sweet and soft, and has a sweet voice.
If Han Yue hadn't told her that Xu Tiantian was in charge of all domestic affairs, she really couldn't see that Xu Tiantian had such great ability.
"I, I just compare my heart to my heart. I am also a fan of Xia An myself, so I watched all the videos recorded by sister Xia An... I really like seeing sister Xia An studying so hard. Moreover, the people around me who watched the videos , and they all have a lot of affection for Miss Xia An."
Saying that, Xu Tiantian looked at Xia An embarrassedly, and then said softly.
"People who study hard will always be liked by people. And Miss Xia An is really improving very quickly, so I thought of editing all the small videos that Miss Xia An studied..."
Perhaps because of meeting Xia An, Xu Tiantian became softer and sweeter when she spoke, and her momentum was also a lot weaker.
The current classmate Xu Tiantian is someone who doesn't look like he has done such a big event in China and fought such a beautiful turnaround.
"Pfft~! Sweet, your current appearance is the normal one I've seen."
Seeing that Xu Tiantian had returned to the appearance he remembered, Han Yue joked with a smile.
"Tiantian, thank you this time. From now on, I will leave it to you to work in the entertainment circle."
Looking at the fan manager in front of her who was a little shy when she saw her, she said with a smile.
And Xu Tiantian, who was still very shy and shy, immediately became serious after hearing Xia An's words.
"Sister Xia An, don't worry, I will definitely be your manager! Thank you for giving me this opportunity, I will definitely live up to your expectations!"
Xu Tiantian secretly thought in her heart, no matter what, she must help her family's goddess to reach the top of the entertainment pyramid in the future.
Let her never be in such a passive and hacked situation in the future!
She must make her goddess a myth in the circle!
However, how did Xu Tiantian know that this goddess of her family has no interest in being at the top of the entertainment pyramid.
However, what Xia An didn't expect was that after Xu Tiantian became her manager, she really did it...
…
Because of the movie "Return to Earth" and director Grace's official announcement, Xia An's fame has grown even greater.
When "Xia'an's Star House" aired to the third episode, the number of people who watched this program on FX TV had already broken through a terrible number.
And it has become the most watched program on FX TV.
At the same time, it is also the most watched TV show among all variety shows in the United States.
Now "Xiaan's Star House" is completely popular in the United States!
And Xia An's star effect became more and more terrifying. She was obviously only a Chinese, and she was not considered an official star in the United States.
She doesn't even count as a third-tier or fourth-tier celebrity, but with her black hair and black eyes, she has formed a trend in the white-skinned and blue-eyed America!
The effect is still a very terrifying realm!
Since the broadcast of the third episode of "Xia'an's Star House", some originally unknown restaurants and shops have become super Internet celebrity shops because of Xia'an.
The sales volume is completely different from the past!
And the biggest change is Ho Kee Hot Pot Restaurant in Chinatown!
No one thought that He Ji Hot Pot Restaurant, which was about to close down in Chinatown in the United States, would come back to life in an instant after passing through Xia An's "Amway"!
Originally, this hot pot restaurant where few people came to eat, just like this, after the third episode of Star House was broadcast, it became popular all of a sudden.
There is an endless stream of people who come to eat hot pot.
And it's winter now, so this hot pot restaurant is overcrowded every day, and people queuing up to eat hot pot can go outside the street!
This makes other restaurants in Chinatown envious and jealous!
[After watching the third issue of Star House, I went to Heji Hot Pot Restaurant to eat hot pot! It's really delicious! I really like Angel's Amway so much!]
[Now the most anticipated thing every week is to watch "Xia'an's Star House". Watching this program can not only enjoy life with Angel, but also know where the delicious food is! It's really great!]
[He Ji Hot Pot Restaurant strongly recommends it! Angel's recommendation is great! He Ji Hot Pot Restaurant is really delicious, and it is also cheap! I'm going to eat tomorrow!]
[The third episode of Star House is really great. The appearance of Angel eating is really beautiful and has an appetite! So after reading it, I went to eat it the next day! Fortunately, I went early! In the past few days, it has been difficult to book a location at Heji Hot Pot Restaurant.]
[I look forward to the fourth issue of Star House and continue to give us Amway delicious stores!]
…
The third episode of "Xia'an's Star House" was aired, and because of the explosion of He Ji hot pot restaurant, more and more merchants wanted to cooperate with Xia'an.
Everyone has seen Xia An's commercial value, so they are all paying more attention to their own strength and sincerity.
It's like bidding in an auction house, the prices are getting higher and higher!
That remuneration is already higher than the price of many first-line stars in the United States.
There are even quite a few people who are dragging their connections to open the back door for cooperation.
Facing the olive branches handed over by these bigwigs, Xia An, who was afraid of trouble and was too lazy to ask one by one, threw all the troubles to her newly appointed Xu Tiantian.
As for Xu Tiantian's 'trust' in Xia An, she was so touched that she was terribly moved, as if she had been injected with chicken blood, and screened according to Xia An's request.
Xia An's request is also quite simple, that is, the food must be delicious, the food must be interesting, the accommodation environment must be clean and the service must be good, and the breakfast and dessert must be delicious.
Just like that, according to Xia An's standard, Xu Tiantian was so busy that she was dizzy.
Seeing so many merchants wanting to cooperate, Xu Tiantian, who has been carefully screening for Xia An, feels that the show Star House can be filmed for many episodes!
…
Abroad, Xia An has already caused such a sensation, and has also become the hottest star in the United States.
In China, Xia Anna's status must be higher!
Although, Xia An's current development is not in the country. There is no job in the domestic entertainment industry at all, but the domestic entertainment industry market is still firmly dominated by Xia An!
Although "Xia An's Star House" was not broadcast on domestic TV stations, it did not affect Xia An's broadcast volume in China at all!
Just such a 'foreign' variety show, without any buy-in from well-known video sites, and without any domestic publicity.
However, the number of broadcasts and downloads of "Xia'an's Star House" has reached a terrifying number, killing all variety shows in seconds.
Even "Mom Is Back", which has the strongest lineup, the most reputation and ratings, can't beat this wild 'foreign' program at all.
In addition, it will be aired on Friday night abroad, and it will be translated and uploaded on the Internet on Saturday domestically. It will be aired together with many prime-time domestic variety shows, and all the hot topics of the day will be on Xia An’s Star House. ah.
If other's variety shows are broadcast on the same day and want to be trending, then you have to buy trending.
But this 'foreign' variety show is frequently searched for.
What #夏安住的酒店#, #夏安吃火锅#, #夏安What did Amway do today? #Wait for the topic, it’s really casual, just think about it.
It really made many variety shows in the same industry envy and jealous.
Of course, the most jealous one belongs to the program group "Mom is Back".
Because of the misjudgment of some high-level executives in the "Mom Is Back" program group, Xia Jinghao was used to replace Xia An, the cash cow that should have belonged to them. Now, several high-level executives who made decisions have resigned.
In my heart, it was extremely ruined!
However, it is useless even if they are regretting at this time.
The program was already blurred, and it was even more blurred because Xia Jinghao was such a great Buddha guest.
After all, there are rumors on the Internet that Xia Jinghao snatched Xia An's guest spot, and it was Xia Jinghao who blocked Xia An's rumors.
When Xia An's momentum was so strong, Xia Jinghao had already become the object of boycott by the whole network.
Unfortunately, the variety show "Mom Is Back" also became the target of boycotts. The ratings kept dropping. It was useless to help Xia Jing clean up her crimes.
But in other words, although Xia An's momentum is very strong, the real reason for Xia Jinghao's unlucky situation is that Xia An also made a move.
They brought a little rhythm, and it was Xia Jinghao who gave an eye for an eye for an eye for an eye.
Although this didn't have much impact on Xia Jinghao who wasn't in the entertainment industry, it was still a bit of interest.
At the same time, Xia An has also become an object of 'memory' for many melon eaters in the domestic entertainment industry.
Every day, Xia An would have a fixed topic.
That is-
[I really hope that Xia An will come back to China to develop!]
[Goddess come back! Although it is good abroad, it is even better at home!]
[Goddess, Goddess, come back! China's entertainment industry needs you!]
[When will Xia An come back, the domestic ban is over, please return to the domestic market.]
[Want to watch the Chinese version of "Xia'an's Star House"! Even if you don't go back to China, can you create a Chinese version of the Star House?]
…
For the appeal of the Chinese people who eat melons, Xia An... really received it!
However, at this time, it is really too late.
After all, now Xia An has opened a company in the United States.
Moreover, his good son is still studying in the United States, and Xia An is not going to return to China in a short time.
"What? Xia An, you mean that you don't plan to go back to China after the filming of "Return to Earth" is over?"
Han Yue looked at Xia An in disbelief, although he felt that Xia An's overseas entertainment market was developing very well.
But they are still Chinese after all, and the main battlefield is still in their own country.
"Xia An, we are Chinese after all. It's good for us to visit the American market once in a while. If we really want to be stationed here, I still don't recommend it."
Seeing Xia An's unmoved appearance, Han Yue hurriedly pulled Xu Tiantian next to him.
"Tiantian, you are her manager now, come and persuade your master."
However, what Han Yue never expected was that Xu Tiantian was completely different from him.
"I don't have any opinions. Where Miss Xia An wants to develop, I will follow her to develop."
"You, you, you are really her fans! I understand now that a fan cannot be a star's manager."
Seeing Han Yue's anxious look, Xia An said unhurriedly.
"I'm not saying that I won't go back to the domestic market, I just mean that I stay here in the United States, and I don't mean that I won't accept domestic announcements."
Xia An expressed her thoughts. She wasn't very interested in acting at first. As for variety shows, she also felt that it was a bit too time-consuming.
so-
"What? You're only going to shoot commercials? Get a spokesperson?"
After Han Yue listened to Xia An's words, he was in a bad mood.
As far as Xia An's current situation is concerned, she is positioned in variety show cafes and movies, which is a perfect development!
After all, Xia An had filmed two variety shows, and she was born with a sense of variety and popularity with the audience.
And as for acting? He visited Xia An's class, and Xia An's acting skills have been greatly improved under his own study, as well as the guidance of international directors and foreign actor-level actors.
Therefore, with Xia An's current strength, he can go back to China to take on the big productions of big directors, take the box office and watch ratings, continue to develop his popularity, and officially become the top traffic floret in China.
And now...
"You're simply wasting your popularity, Xia An, as an artist, especially a female artist, all you eat is youth food, you can't be confused at this time."
Han Yue was earnestly persuading Xia An to return to China to develop after the performance of "Return to Earth". In the United States, there will still be racial discrimination. It is still very difficult to develop abroad.
But these words are completely useless to Xia An.
"Brother Han, I know you're doing it for my own good. But, I definitely can't go back to China now. Xiao Xing and Xiao Can both go to school here now, and they're still so young."
Moreover, her company is also here.
Anyway, she has already decided when the company will be successful and go public.
She is returning home.
Otherwise, what would she have to fight against that pair of scumbags
Just being a top trafficker in the entertainment industry
Forget it, after all, what can one do with the status of top traffic in the entertainment industry
These days, the rich still can't play against the powerful, can't they
"You can let the two children live in school, and if you are worried about them, you can fly to see them..."
Although Han Yue understood Xia An's feelings as a mother, he still didn't want to see Xia An ruin her own future like this.
"Mr. Han, don't say that. Actually, I don't think it's a bad thing for Xia An to stay in the United States. You said that the American market is not easy to mix, but that's for other people. I believe that Xia An's market in the United States must be It will succeed."
Xu Tiantian rationally analyzed Xia An's development in the United States without returning to China for Han Yue.
"I'm not following Sister Xia An blindly, I've also thought about Sister Xia An's future. In fact, at the moment, Sister Xia An is stationed in the United States, and it's really true that she invites domestic partners who really want to work with her to come over to film commercials and endorse things. A very reasonable choice.
Although nowadays, variety shows are the best to attract popularity, sister Xia An's variety show has already been filmed for two episodes. What's more, now that the hit "Star Cabin" has finished broadcasting in the United States, it has not even been released in China. Therefore, there is no problem at all if sister Xia An does not return to China now. "
As she said that, Xu Tiantian's mouth curled into a proud smile.
"Also, Mr. Han, I think you may be too busy recently. I don't know that many domestic TV stations and video sites are looking for us to cooperate recently, and want to win the broadcasting rights of the Chinese version of "Xia'an's Star House"..."
Hearing this, Han Yue immediately understood what Xu Tiantian meant.
"You mean, even if Xia An doesn't return to China, her Star House can still be broadcast in China?"
"That's right, Brother Han. Sister Xia An talked to me yesterday. She didn't mean that she would never return to China, but that she would not return to China for the time being. During her time in the United States, we can play the Chinese version of Star House in China." , After all, when this program was originally recorded, it was thought that it would be broadcast in China, right?"
"... You two have made plans, why didn't you tell me earlier."
After listening to Xu Tiantian's words, Han Yue thought about it carefully, this really does not delay Xia An's development in China at all.
They filmed 18 episodes in one season, especially now that the overseas Star House has not finished broadcasting.
After the overseas Star House is finished, another Chinese version of the Star House will be broadcast in China. This period of time will be enough for Xia An to gain a firm foothold in the domestic entertainment industry.
"Brother Han, we really wanted to talk, but you never stopped talking."
Xia An looked at Han Yue with a funny face, and she also understood that Han Yue was sincerely doing her best.
She traveled to this world, and the person she should be most grateful to is really Han Yue.
Since she crossed over, he really helped her a lot.
Although, she also helped this person a lot.
In a sense, the two of them can be regarded as a mutually beneficial partnership.
"That's right, I can't say no to you two little girls."
Han Yue waved his hand, unwilling to talk to Xia An and Xu Tiantian anymore.
"Brother Han? Are you angry?"
Seeing Han Yue's serious face, Xia An shook his head amusedly, and said with a smile.
"Okay, don't be angry."
"Hmph, since you got an agent, I found out that you girl doesn't tell me anything. Tell me, are you carrying a lot of jobs behind my back?"
"Pfft, didn't I just want to trouble you."
Seeing Han Yue's aggrieved little daughter-in-law, she and Xu Tiantian both burst out laughing.
"Yeah, Uncle Han, you're a big shot now, a gold medal screenwriter, we just don't want to waste your time."
"Hey! You two little girls, you are talking about your problems, but you are making fun of me! What kind of big shot am I?"
But even though Han Yue said so, the happy and smug smile on his face still couldn't be concealed.
The recent Han Yue is just like Xia An, and it is also the time when the spring breeze is in full swing!
Although he is just a behind-the-scenes screenwriter and program planner, but! Because of the success of two consecutive variety shows!
And it also brought out Xia An, a popular entertainer. His current status in the domestic entertainment circle is like a carp jumping over a dragon's gate. He jumped up and became the hottest screenwriter and program planner!
And the media company he started with his friends has also developed into the most promising big company!
Now, he is busy.
Every day, there are many celebrities and artists in the company, and brokerage companies come to seek cooperation.
There are also quite a few investors throwing olive branches to invest in his next variety show.
So, he was really busy during this time.
"Okay, Brother Han, you can go back to your country. If you need my help, I will go back to your country to help you."
Although Xia An is stingy and selfish, she is still very loyal to those who really treat her well and help her.
"Really?! That's what you said! You're not being polite to me, are you?"
Hearing Xia An's words, Han Yue's eyes lit up first, and those sparkling eyes were full of excitement, but soon he became suspicious again.
After all, having stayed with Xia An for such a long time, he still understands Xia An's character.
He's really not used to such a generous Xia An.
"Then if you think it's polite, just pretend I didn't say it."
Xia An looked at the suspicious expression on Han Yue's face, she rolled her eyes, and said angrily.
"Hey! Don't, don't, I was wrong, I was wrong."
Han Yue's face was immediately filled with a smile, and he said with a smile.
Just kidding! The current Xia An is not the previous Xia An!
According to Xia An's temper, it is very likely that no matter how much money is spent, she may not be able to invite her to make a TV movie together!
After all, people have money now, but it's not like before. If you have more money, you can get it.
Soon, after chatting with Han Yue for a while, Xu Tiantian made a decision with Han Yue on behalf of Xia An, which domestic TV station and video website Star House will cooperate with, and when should it be aired? matters.
After talking about this matter, Han Yue really bid farewell to Xia An and Xu Tiantian.
Now the American version of Star House is on the right track, and Xia An also has Xu Tiantian, a capable agent who can stand alone, and he has nothing to do in the United States.
Therefore, this time it was the last time he met Xia An in the United States.
If he returns to China after this, he won't have so much time to see Xia An.
After all, when he returned to China this time, his work schedule was full, and it was all scheduled for next year.
"Xia An, I'm leaving. If you and Tiantian have anything to do in the United States, just go back to China and find me."
"Well, Brother Han, you can go back, I won't have any problems with Tiantian here."
"Yes, Uncle Han, don't worry, I will take care of Miss Xia An properly."
"Okay, you don't need to see me off on my plane tomorrow. Let's see you in China when we have a chance. Take care, goodbye."
"Brother Han, goodbye."
"Uncle Han, goodbye."
In this way, Han Yue, who produced a reality show that was super popular in the United States, returned to his hometown like this, and went back happily.
In the United States, only Xia An's family was left.
However, although Han Yue left, it didn't have any impact on Xia An, and life was still going on.
With Xu Tiantian's care, the filming of Xia An's Star House went more smoothly.
Xia An doesn't need to worry about basic necessities, food, housing and transportation, everything is arranged by Xu Tiantian, Xia An just needs to shoot the show and produce results.
Just a few days after Han Yue went back, the fourth episode of Star House was broadcast.
If the Star House in the third phase became popular at Heji Hot Pot Restaurant, then the Star House in the fourth phase became popular with Xia An's family of "three" and Xia An taught the two little guys fighting skills every morning.
That's right, it is indeed fighting skills!
The video of Xia An getting up at six o'clock every day to practice martial arts with two little guys was also edited into the program.
And the United States is a country that worships Chinese Kung Fu very much. Therefore, when Xia An took two little guys to practice "Chinese Kung Fu" in the fourth episode, it immediately caused an upsurge on the Internet!
After watching the fourth episode of Star House, many foreign friends strongly requested the program team to release the full video of Xia An practicing 'Chinese Kung Fu' with the two little guys!
Moreover, because of the popularity of "Xia'an's Star House", viewers watching the Star House, it's not just the United States and China!
The scope of viewing has already spread to the whole world!
Translations for various countries are available.
What Italy, what Canada, what Russia, what Germany, Japan and South Korea, all of them.
It can be said that "Xia'an's Star House" has become popular all over the world.
And the fourth issue of "Chinese Kung Fu" naturally aroused a kind of curiosity about "Chinese Kung Fu" all over the world.
After all, the moves that Xia An taught the two little guys were so beautiful and sharp!
Just by watching the video, one can tell that Xia An's practice is not some fancy punches!
It's a real, powerful feeling!
[my Lord! I didn't believe that Angel could play the role of the heroine Joan in "Return to Earth" before! After all, the role of Joan has a lot of drama. But after watching the Star House in the fourth issue, I think! The role of Joan is really Angel! She is really talented!]
[I beg the Star House program team to release the full version of the teaching video!]
[Seek the full version of teaching! There are too few Kung Fu teaching clips broadcast in the program! I also want to learn Chinese Kungfu with Angel!]
[I am a fighting coach, and I am very responsible to say that the kung fu that Angel taught the two children is really real kung fu! Although each move is simple, it is very powerful! No gimmicks!]
[Angel is really the most amazing female star I have ever seen! It looks petite and petite, but it can actually kung fu! So charming!]
[Now I am even more looking forward to Angel's performance in "Return to Earth"! I want to see Jiaojiao, a little Chinese angel, bursting out of her small universe XD]
[I don't know why, but I suddenly want to watch Xia An's martial arts show! ! !]
…
The broadcast of the fourth episode of Star House sparked a kind of "Chinese Kung Fu" craze in Xia'an throughout the United States and even the world!
Audiences from many countries were shocked by Xia An, a petite-looking Chinese with dark eyes and black hair.
I was also attracted by her reverse charm.
So much so that everyone can't wait for "Return to Earth" to be released sooner.
This also made all the staff of the "Return to Earth" crew not expect that they hadn't engaged in film promotion yet, and as a result, they already had such a large-scale publicity effect.
Of course, this also led the program group to take advantage of the sudden explosion of popularity and start to expand their publicity.
Such a virtuous circle also made Xia An and her Star House even more popular!
It also let more people in the world know that in this world, there is such a beautiful, 'delicate' but powerful female star like Xia An.
Although it is said that Xia An suddenly became famous abroad because of his 'Chinese Kung Fu'.
Domestically, the same is also on fire.
Although everyone can understand at a glance that what Xia An teaches is not the kind of Chinese kung fu like in martial arts.
However, the video of Xia An teaching the two little guys to practice Kung Fu still shocked many Chinese people.
Now no one questioned what kind of substitute Xia An used, he really has skills!
Although the Chinese people are not as curious and admiring of Chinese Kung Fu as the group of foreigners, Xia An's actions still amazed most of the Chinese people.
Although it is not as brainless as the group of foreigners who don't understand Chinese Kungfu advocate, it still attracts a lot of fans!
Moreover, Chinese melon-eating people are just like foreign audiences! are also shouting—
[I beg "Xia'an's Star Cabin" to release the full version of the exercise video!]
[@夏安的学习小研究 I beg Xia An to open a martial arts class for us! I want to learn kung fu from Xia An!]
[Ask Xia An's small learning classroom to offer martial arts courses! I really want to learn martial arts with Xia An to defend myself!]
[I feel that it is very difficult to learn after watching the video. I really hope that Xia An can produce a simplified version of women's self-defense @夏安]
…
Neither Xia An nor the staff of the Star House program group expected that the content of Xia An teaching the two little guys to practice martial arts would attract so much attention!
I didn't expect that such a clip could cause a global sensation!
This really made Xia An and the staff of the program group dumbfounded.