Of course, despite various reasons, and beyond those, it was also because Chris Rodi already had the experience of frequently working on location and appearing on camera that he was given today's opportunity.
Otherwise, it might have never been his turn.
It might be that none of these materials would have ever landed in his inbox.
This also underscores once again that opportunity always favors the prepared.
The effect was indeed very clear; when the director told Chris Rodi sitting in the studio that everything was over and that he did an excellent job, the studio had already started popping champagne for this brave young man.
Everyone was certain that if this young man could safely get through this, Forbes would have another star-level host.
Those present there were all experienced; they could see that Chris Rodi in front of the camera truly matched the common person's imagination of a hero.
Keep in mind, in this country, the vast majority of people grew up watching superhero type movies, and people genuinely love this kind of fearless individual heroism.
"Ha-ha, you know what? Chris, remember what I said earlier? I knew I could always count on an outstanding young man like you, you are bound to succeed," said the veteran director Frank, patting Chris Rodi on the shoulder as soon as they left the studio.
Chris Rodi smiled shyly; he certainly knew the director had said the same to every young person in the station, it was no secret, but he still eagerly asked, ""Did the show go really well today?"
"Ha, need you ask? The effect was explosive! You wouldn't know— our hotline at the back hasn't stopped buzzing! Not only do the viewers care about the matter, but they also care about you. Some have even started to call in asking if you're going to be the new host that the station will promote soon. You know what? I'm starting to get jealous."
"Thank you, Mr. Frank," said Chris Rodi respectfully, expressing gratitude, yet feeling very satisfied inside.
Although there might have been some exaggeration in these words, it surely wouldn't be too outrageous.
The ratings couldn't be out so quickly, but one could tell how hot the back end audience phone engagement was just by asking around, and there was no need to deceive him as the feedback would be provided proactively.
"Ha-ha, no thanks needed, you deserve it. We all see how hard you work. But can you reveal the source of the news this time?"
"I have promised not to disclose it."
"Ha-ha, no problem, just asking."
Chris Rodi indeed became a sensation.
One didn't even need to ask the back-office phone data; just by opening the internet, the impact was evident.
The 8 p.m. news commentary program had gone viral on various websites and forums.
Facebook, Twitter, Quora, TikTok...
In every public and private traffic pool, the popularity was visibly soaring.
On Twitter, it even reached the top of the trending list.
The comics and audio clips shown on TV had already been specifically extracted and widely circulated online.
Even many celebrities began to comment.
"You know what? If this was done by someone from Langley, I wouldn't be surprised at all. I didn't doubt the authenticity of the incident for a second."
"This is the most despicable use of values I've ever seen, and I am shocked that there are such shameless people in the world."
"Poor old man, tarnishing his late years for such a reason."
"No, what are you all discussing? Is it still news how shameless the people from Langley are?! Am I the only one focused on why Langley would interfere with the ownership of a science award?"
"What is sad is that Langley could indeed influence the ownership of a world-class award? I have to ask, is this the power vested in them?!"
This was just within the United States; the reactions to this explosive news were even stronger among allies.
"Is it really so? Has the Science Academy always been under their influence? Are they even issuing blatant threats of bankruptcy?"
"I've said it before: they are nothing but thieves clad in the guise of hypocrisy! Those barbarians still live in the seventeenth century!"
"The Science Academy should speak out at this time. Are these things true or not?! We need to know the truth!"
"So the Americans even have the deciding power over who gets the scientific award?"
Really, the spread of this news was quickly reaching a point that even made Chris Rodi feel nervous.
It always felt somewhat incorrect.
Normally, topics do not ferment this quickly.
But this time was definitely different.
In fact, not just him, many people felt that something was excessively amiss.
Three hours after the news was broadcast, both 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and Langley had realized the virulent public opinion on the internet, which was very unfavorable for them; after all, Langley had to take orders from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
So they almost instantly reacted, contacted social media outlets like Facebook that had closer relations with both sides, hoping to downplay the topic.
Keep in mind it was already very late by this time; many staff members were called from their beds to work, which already demonstrated the high efficiency of both departments.
But they were directly rejected.
The reason given was helpless: it's too late!
Although the official stance could be stronger than that of the users, that also depends on the situation.
When a topic has involved nearly a quarter of the world's users in just three hours, the backlash from a rash ban could be disastrous.
Not to mention that competitors were still showcasing the topic at the top of the trending list!
The most they could do was to use algorithms to try to keep the related videos from appearing to those who haven't seen them yet, but if people were searching for it on their own, obviously, that can't be banned as well, right?
Suddenly, the pressure like a mountain cascaded with the torrential public opinion.
Chris Rodi had never thought that in just one hour, he could stir up half the Earth to buzz with excitement, almost like celebrating a festival.
The only regret was that, for the time being, the vast majority of people were still discussing the event itself and not focusing on him.