Translator: Lordbluefire
Editor: Lordbluefire
Life had always been a little uncertain.
Lu Yuan had thought that after he finished recording the song, he could have a meal and return to the production crew to continue filming. He was certain there would be no obstruction to this, but he had never thought that something out of his prediction would happen.
In fact, he hadn’t expected to meet someone so talkative.
“My name is Tang Chong, you can call me Brother T. I’ve been following you for a while!”
“You must have heard of our company, China Gold. We are one of the top entertainment companies in China and have signed countless A-list celebrities. In fact, we are planning to actively expand our business by venturing overseas and supporting folk song artists. It will be the right choice to choose us!”
“As for compensation and benefits, you don’t have to hesitate. Once you sign the contract with us, we will fight for a B-list, no, an A-list singer’s compensation package. We will push you onto the big screen, and you’ll become famous in no time!”
“…”
“You don’t believe me? I’ll make a call right now if you don’t!”
“…”
“Du Du Du.”
“Hello, uncle? I want to sign a singer!”
“What? No, it’s not any random singer. It’s the composer of [Old Boy] and [Für Elise]. Yes! Uncle, please submit an application from the company. I want an S-grade contract!”
“Where’s the singer? He’s right in front of me!”
“No, I want to sign him, I must sign him this time around! I must!”
“Yes, yes, the best resources!”
“…”
“You have heard it, right? You don’t have to be worried at all. This is my name card. I have signed many capable young singers, for example: Xu Huishan, Chen Jiayu, Xu Guanfeng, etc! You have heard of them, right? They are currently the most well-known in the entertainment business. Even though their TV programs have been coming non-stop, they will definitely be involved in the future of the entertainment business!”
“…”
“…”
“Oh yes, I think after you sign with us, I can help you make an official debut through a comedy program…”
“…”
Lu Yuan didn’t even understand what was going on, yet the young man didn’t stop talking, his saliva flying in the air. Lu Yuan was very confused.
As he subconsciously turned his head to look at Zhang Tong, all he saw was Zhang Tong’s gloomy face. He then turned to look at old man Chen Guanxiong and saw him shaking his head speechlessly.
He seemed to not know whether to laugh or cry.
“Actually, I’m not a real singer… I’m a director” Lu Yuan finally let out a soft cough and looked at this young man, tactfully rejecting him.
“I know, Mr. Lu Yuan is a talented person, so it doesn’t matter what you do. Stop filming these low-investment movies, they will not give you any future. Join me, I promise to make you famous. With your voice and your talent in composing, I guarantee that you won’t even need a year to become the top celebrity of China Gold…. After this, whatever movie you wish to film, it will be very easy. Many big investors will come looking for you.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, I’m just a director. Moreover, I can only sing well for this song, and I’m not that good with other songs!”
“Don’t worry! We can train you!”
“Cough, cough. Hey you, director Zhang has been standing there for quite a while now. What you’re doing isn’t very appropriate, right?” Lu Yuan was speechless now after seeing how relentless and persistent this guy was.
“Ah… Oh, yes yes yes! I almost forgot, erm, Uncle Zhang, you…” Hearing Lu Yuan’s words, the young man’s face started to change. He quickly looked at Zhang Tong who was walking toward them.
“You still know I’m here, huh? Do you know the difference in our status now?” Zhang Tong pulled a somber face while reprimanding Tang Chong.
“Erm…”
“I’m working with Sky Entertainment, but I didn’t even allow their agent to come! You’re already lucky I’m allowing you, an agent from China Gold, to come here. I’ve already done wrong to Sky Entertainment! What did you promise me before coming? You will only take a look! What about now? You’re trying to snatch someone in front of me? Where will my pride go if the higher management from Sky Entertainment finds out?”
“This…Uncle, sorry, I didn’t mean to, I was just agitated…”
“Go out.” Zhang Tong waved his hand, looking as if he didn’t want to speak any further.
“Ah Uncle, this… I feel…”
“Get out of here!” Zhang Tong started to fume.
“Yes, yes, yes! Erm, the name card has my number, I’ll wait for you outside! Please look for me when you come out!” Feeling embarrassed, Tang Chong looked at Lu Yuan passionately with one last look. With his tail between his legs, he quickly left the recording studio under Zhang Tong’s somber expression.
“…” Lu Yuan let out a long breath and felt a little giddy.
“Little Lu, don’t mind him. This guy, he has been a muddled person since young, so don’t put it to heart…” Zhang Tong stared at Tang Chong who left as the door closed behind him. He had wanted to kick him so badly.
That guy was indeed a scoundrel. He couldn’t even distinguish the severity of situations clearly.
“Director Zhang, it’s okay.” Lu Yuan shook his head, not feeling too irritated. He just thought that this guy was quite a weirdo.
“Oh, that’s great, let’s talk about this song [Old Boy]’s usage rights. I’ve drafted this contract, what do you think?”
“Ok, let me take a look.”
Lu Yuan hastily scanned through the contract, and there wasn’t any big problem. It was just a simple usage rights contract, but it was worth one hundred thousand dollars.
One hundred thousand dollars was considered a lot for Lu Yuan. Many people might work their asses off for two to three years, and they still wouldn’t have one hundred thousand dollars in savings. Moreover, this was just usage rights, not including the right to cover this song or other copyright matters.
It was very good… Lu Yuan was satisfied.
In the entertainment business, every resource was extravagantly priced. Many times, money was spent as if they weren’t money. At least, Zhang Tong felt that this song was worth the price.
Also, he was recommended by the old man Chen Guanxiong.
It was obvious that the old man had great admiration for Lu Yuan.
Zhang Tong also had high hopes for Lu Yuan’s future.
Looking at the values of this song and [Für Elise], Lu Yuan’s songs would not be of this price level in the future.
He had better spent some money to build the relationship now. He might even have to pay again for the next movie.
This could be considered a partnership to please both parties.
After signing the contract and transferring the money to Lu Yuan’s card, this deal would be completed.
As it was almost noon, Zhang Tong brought old man Chen Guanxiong, Lu Yuan, and an agitated-looking Tang Chong to a restaurant on the 3rd floor to have a meal.
“Little Lu, have some 1985 French Red Wine, the taste is good.”
“Leave me out, leave me out, I can’t take alcohol.”
“Stop pretending. You drank when playing the guitar on the video, stop saying you can’t drink. Come, give your grandfather Chen some face… drink a little bit.” Chen Guanxiong started putting on a face, bringing out his status as an elderly.
“Alright, just a little bit.” Lu Yuan looked at the wine glass filled with red wine. He could already feel a headache setting in.
“Hmm, this is much better. Little Zhang, come drink some too. I helped you solve such a big problem and introduced you to Little Lu, you must thank me!”
“Yes, yes, I indeed have to thank you. Come, old man, let me give a toast to you. Little Lu, I’ll give you a toast as well!”
“Ok…”
“Another glass…”
“Huh, I can’t drink anymore.”
“How can a guy drink so little? I see you smoke aggressively.”
“Then a bit more…” Lu Yuan was also egoistic. Since he was in a good mood now, he decided to drink more.
“Old man, I will give you a toast and A’Yuan, I’ve already prepared an S-grade contract. Why don’t we sign it today since everyone is in a good mood? Our China Gold is really not bad!”
“What do you mean by sign! Tang Chong, get out of here and drink your own wine. Stop being a spoilsport, are you a fool?!” Zhang Tong gave a bad look at the smiling Tang Chong and scolded him. He resented him for failing to meet his expectations earlier.
“Alright alright, let’s eat first, eat first…” As Tang Chong was scolded by Zhang Tong, he quickly continued to let out an embarrassing smile.
“It’s no use even if I sign with you. Let me tell you honestly, I can’t sing… Moreover, I don’t have much composing talent… I will exhaust all my composing talent any time.” Lu Yuan looked at Tang Chong with intoxicated eyes and lay his cards on the table.
“I understand, I understand. Don’t worry, we will groom you. We have a very good grooming team. Also, your vocals and…”
“Piak!”
“Get out”
Tang Chong had wanted to continue talking about China Gold, but he heard the sound of Zhang Tong slamming the table with his palm. Zhang Tong stared at him with an extremely unfriendly expression, giving him a scare.
Thereafter, Tang Chong could only let out an awkward smile and sat aside while hugging his contract. He looked just like a young married woman and continued to drink his wine while holding back his expressions. He was unsure why the wine tasted more and more bitter with the time.
“Come, let’s continue drinking.”
“Er…I’m feeling giddy, I can’t drink anymore.”
“Have another glass, just one last glass.”
“Ok, hmm, wait, let me take a call…”
“Ok.”
Lu Yuan stood up unsteadily and held up his phone. He saw an incoming call from a number that he seemed to have seen before.
“Hello…”
“A’Yuan, are you working?”
“Ah, mom?”
“Do you still regard me as your mom! Get back home now!”
“Huh, what happened?”
“Your neighbor, Uncle Chen, has recommended a marriage for you. The bride’s family is not bad. Even though their requirement is a bit high, she is pretty. Tidy yourself up and get back home now for the matchmaking! Stop fooling around every day! Your uncle Chen went through some connections to get you this marriage!”
“Huh? Matchmake?” Lu Yuan shook his head as the appearance of his old mom appeared in his mind.
The old mothers of this world huh…
After a few minutes, Lu Yuan sat back at his seat, his expression looking strange.
“Girlfriend?”
“No, my mom called and urged me to go to a matchmaking session.”
“Your family’s asking you what? Little Lu, you still haven’t found someone?” The old man’s eyes brightened after hearing Lu Yuan’s words.
“Yeah… I haven’t…”
“Alright!”
“Bang!”
The old man suddenly slammed the table again.
“Ah?” Tang Chong, who was still drinking, got a scare from the sudden sound and spat his wine on the floor. He was afraid of angering Zhang Tong again and looked at him subconsciously. However, he saw Zhang Tong looking strangely at the old man.
Lu Yuan was also stunned.
“What’s the matter?”
“I have a granddaughter, and she’s right next to this place. Let me introduce you to her!” the old man knew he had over-reacted; hence, he tried to conceal it.
“…”