DAEYTT Chapter 028 I didn't intend to surpass her, no need for publicity...
Li Qingyao is currently a top-tier figure in the entertainment industry, at the peak of her career, with terrifying commercial value. There are few contracts in the country higher and more liberal than hers, and they are all held by superstars with qualifications, strength, and popularity. These individuals are few in number, each having spent over a decade building their status. And Zhang Sheng's company doesn't have such a figure.
If Wang Qian really had that kind of capital, they would definitely be begging him to sign a contract, especially with such a superstar leading the charge; the company would elevate to another level. But...
Wang Qian isn't like that...
He's only released four songs so far.
His Weibo followers are just over a million.
He debuted in his thirties...
Who are you to demand such conditions?
Zhang Sheng was momentarily speechless. He had rejected Wang Qian's offer just a few days ago, feeling that he was too old to be worth investing in. And now, just a few days later, seeing signs of potential success, he shamelessly came knocking again.
If he were to leave without saying anything now...
With his thick skin accumulated over ten years in the entertainment industry, it would be hard to justify.
With a stiff smile on his face, Zhang Sheng spoke, "Wang Qian, I was a bit straightforward last time, I hope you don't mind."
Wang Qian interrupted, "No, Zhang Sheng, you spoke the truth last time. I'm not angry; I know you're in the business, not charity, so rejecting me is normal. So, I'm just trying to figure things out on my own."
Zhang Sheng said, "This time, I've come with the utmost sincerity to seek cooperation."
Wang Qian asked, "So, have you agreed to my conditions?"
Zhang Sheng shook his head, "Wang Qian, my bottom line is a first-tier contract! Although it's a bit below Li Qingyao's, the gap isn't that big. If you do well under the contract, the next one could surpass Li Qingyao's. I'll fight for the best resources for you and help you develop..."
This is how a legitimate entertainment conglomerate operates. Contracts come with various resources. Not like those fly-by-night companies that just offer a good-sounding contract with a higher profit split, but don't provide any meaningful support for development. Big entertainment companies are different! A first-tier contract comes with corresponding resources and treatment for first-tier stars! It's not just lip service.
So, big companies don't easily offer contracts with star status to newbies; that corresponds to a lot of resources being invested.
Wang Qian shook his head, "So, there's nothing to talk about. Want to have lunch together?"
Zhang Sheng hesitated for a moment, then shook his head, "No, thanks!"
Wang Qian said, "Then, I won't see you out."
Zhang Sheng couldn't maintain his smile anymore and stood up expressionlessly, nodding, "Alright, I'll take my leave then! Wang Qian, I know you want to surpass your ex-wife, but it's impossible on your own. Signing with a big company is the only way to achieve your goal."
Qin Xuerong, who had been listening intently to Wang Qian and Zhang Sheng's conversation while mopping the floor, stopped suddenly when she heard the mention of "ex-wife" and looked up at Zhang Sheng, wanting to know more.
Jiang Yu and Murong Yue, who had been bored, suddenly became interested in this gossip. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity as they looked at Wang Qian and Zhang Sheng, then glanced at Qin Xuerong. They didn't know that Wang Qian had been divorced, so they were even more puzzled by Qin Xuerong's choice! Finding an older, talented, and moderately good-looking uncle was acceptable... but... a divorced one! That's different. You're still a girl who hasn't been in a relationship before.
Wang Qian finished half a steamed bun in one bite and mumbled, "I never thought about surpassing her. You're overthinking it."
Zhang Sheng didn't say anything, smiled at Qin Xuerong and the others, then left with his assistant.
They came suddenly, and left just as quickly.
In fact, Wang Qian had anticipated Zhang Sheng's visit. He had received many messages from various agencies through various channels. On Weibo. On the phone. Even from employees of Hai Di Lao, etc. Almost all of them were from well-known entertainment conglomerates.
But...
Only two people could have found his address: his former agent, Zhang Sheng, and Li Qingyao's agent, Liu Lihua.
Wang Qian didn't get up to see Zhang Sheng off, finished his breakfast by himself, then changed into casual clothes and called out to Qin Xuerong, who was still cleaning in the kitchen, "Alright, you've cleaned up, but I don't see any difference. Let's not bother. It's a waste of effort..."
Qin Xuerong pouted and put down the rag she was using to wipe the stove, "I just wanted to help you. You're a grown man, and there's no one to help clean up at home. I can come help when I'm free."
Wang Qian quickly waved his hand, "Forget it, no need! Hurry up and leave; I have things to do today. I have to record two soundtracks, and then I have to catch a train to Xihu City this afternoon."
Qin Xuerong was somewhat displeased, "Oh!"
Jiang Yu picked up his guitar and prepared to leave.
Murong Yue, on the other hand, stared at Wang Qian, interrogating him seriously, "You need to be honest, who is this ex-wife? A big star in the entertainment industry?"
Wang Qian gave a dismissive "heh," then followed Jiang Yu out the door.
Murong Yue stomped her foot in frustration and looked at Qin Xuerong, "Xue'er, do you know he's been divorced?"
Qin Xuerong washed her hands, pulled Murong Yue out the door, locked the door, and whispered, "I know."
Murong Yue's eyes widened even more, watery like eyes in a cartoon, "Have you lost your mind? You're finding a divorced uncle? If your dad finds out, he'll break your legs!"
Qin Xuerong: "You don't need to worry about it; just focus on your work!"
Murong Yue: "Hmph, I don't want to worry about it either, but I think you're under some sort of spell, I..."
She really wanted to say, "I'll tell your dad!"
But she knew that saying this would definitely make Qin Xuerong angry. She was afraid of hurting Qin Xuerong's feelings. Qin Xuerong had asked her and Jiang Yu to help, and had told them about the situation between her and Wang Qian. This was a sign of trust. Naturally, Murong Yue felt obligated to help and keep it a secret.
Shaking her head!
Mur
Finding someone so much older, who has even been divorced… Murong Yue really didn't understand and didn't know what she was aiming for.
She carefully examined Wang Qian.
Today, Wang Qian was dressed simply, his hair not well-groomed, just splashed with water when washing his face. Though his face was clean, there was no oily makeup, just unkempt stubble that made him look older. Yet, there was a sense of maturity.
And, as an art student, Murong Yue naturally noticed Wang Qian's casual, calm, and confident demeanor.
Objectively speaking, these were all attractive qualities.
But...
Why?
Murong Yue shook her head and followed them into the elevator.
Jiang Yu leaned against the corner of the elevator with his guitar on his back, standing behind Wang Qian: "You're leaving this afternoon?"
Wang Qian nodded: "Yeah! I need to get familiar with the venue for the show. I'm the first to perform, which is a bit stressful!"
Jiang Yu: "Oh, then give me the sheet music. I want to practice. You can register it first, I won't take your original author credit."
Wang Qian smiled: "I don't care about author credits. Just do your best today."
Jiang Yu: "Hmph!"
Qin Xuerong looked a bit disappointed: "I can't leave Shanghai for now, so I can't go to West Lake City to support you. But I believe you'll do great..."
Wang Qian: "Thank you!"
Wang Qian still took a taxi to the recording studio.
Qin Xuerong dropped off Jiang Yu and Murong Yue, then stayed there for a while before leaving when the company called.
By dusk, when Wang Qian finished his work and said goodbye to He Fulin and Zhao Wei, Qin Xuerong drove a minivan to pick up Wang Qian, Jiang Yu, and Murong Yue.
Wang Qian still wanted to take a taxi.
But.
Qin Xuerong blocked the road with the minivan: "If you don't let me drive you, I'll drive to West Lake City myself. I don't care about the company, I'll go watch you live!"
Wang Qian was genuinely a bit scared.
So, he agreed.
Murong Yue and Jiang Yu had gradually gotten used to it. They got in the car, playing on their phones and chatting softly in the back.
Wang Qian was forced to sit in the front passenger seat.
Qin Xuerong happily started the car towards the train station: "Wang Qian, I saw your song has climbed to fifth on the website's new song chart. It might reach number one."
Wang Qian, feeling a bit tired: "It's okay, it doesn't matter if it gets first place or not."
Qin Xuerong: "How can you say that? Getting first place would greatly boost your popularity. I see the competition on the new song chart is fierce. You're the only independent artist without agency promotion. The current number one, Li Qingyao, has started promoting her song on Weibo today, and her topic is everywhere, which has suppressed your momentum."
Wang Qian wasn't surprised: "Of course, she's a super diva with a big company backing her, with resources far beyond mine."
Qin Xuerong: "I can help you."
Wang Qian shook his head: "No need!"
Qin Xuerong: "But you need this first place!"
Wang Qian: "I don't mind either way. Please don't hype me up, I really don't need it."
Qin Xuerong: "Oh, okay then."
The car fell into an awkward silence.
Qin Xuerong tried to chat with Wang Qian, bringing up some music-related topics, but it was obviously forced.
Jiang Yu and Murong Yue, sitting in the back, couldn't help but laugh.
Qin Xuerong gave them an embarrassed glare.
The car soon arrived at the train station.
Qin Xuerong dropped Wang Qian at the entrance, and in front of many onlookers, gave him a hug.
Wang Qian felt stiff, wanting to push her away, but considering the many people around, it would embarrass Qin Xuerong, so he let her.
Qin Xuerong smiled, holding Wang Qian tightly, hugging him for a few more seconds, taking deep breaths to inhale his scent before letting go, looking up with watery eyes: "Wang Qian, good luck!"
Wang Qian dared not meet her gaze. After a second, he looked away, nodded: "Yeah, I will, goodbye!"
Qin Xuerong: "Goodbye!"
After speaking, Wang Qian waved and walked towards the station.
After a few steps, he suddenly turned back, took some papers from his bag and handed them to Qin Xuerong: "For Jiang Yu."
Qin Xuerong curiously looked at them and found they were sheet music: "Got it."
That girl would be thrilled.
She knew how much Jiang Yu wanted Wang Qian's sheet music; she even mumbled about it in her sleep last night.
Watching Wang Qian disappear into the crowd, Qin Xuerong stood there for over a minute, just staring at the station.
"He's gone, give me the music."
Jiang Yu's indifferent voice came from behind.
Murong Yue also happily said: "That guy has some conscience, not letting our hard work go to waste."
Qin Xuerong handed the music to Jiang Yu, then quickly walked back to the car, leaned on the steering wheel.
Thinking about not seeing Wang Qian anymore made Qin Xuerong's heart ache, making her feel that the days ahead seemed meaningless.
This was very typical of someone in love for the first time.
Jiang Yu and Murong Yue came over, pulled Qin Xuerong to the back seat, while Murong Yue kept comforting her, and Jiang Yu drove.
NEXT