FWTS ### Chapter 095: Million-Dollar Salary
"Totally worth it!"
After using the "Speed Reading" skill, Hou Muyun couldn't help but exclaim, "A special skill card is truly special!"
The skills he had obtained previously were undeniably strong. For instance, the erhu performance skill card granted him a performance-level proficiency. This was something that a genius could achieve through hard work. But this special skill card, in Hou Muyun's view, was an ability that hard work alone couldn't acquire. It might not be unique in the world, but it's definitely rare!
Rarity brings value, especially with such a useful ability!
After experiencing its effects, Hou Muyun felt that even if it had cost a million points, it would still be worth it!
In high spirits, Hou Muyun got out of bed, humming a tune as he went to wash up. He cooked some millet porridge, worked out on the balcony, and then had a shower. His breakfast was ready right in time, with some side dishes. Life was good!
Shortly after starting his writing, the members of the "Music War" program team in Hangzhou received the ratings report from the previous day. There were shouts and cheers all around!
Number one in the same time slot!
Ratings broke 2!
Market share exceeded 7!
Previously, they had achieved first place in the same time slot, but never with such ease and satisfaction. A market share exceeding 7 was the highest among all the variety shows of Blue Whale TV this season!
A rating breaking 2 was an unparalleled success, considering the seventh episode only reached 1.5. The second place had a rating of just 1.4, and the show from Tomato TV, which was competing with theirs, was in fourth place with a rating barely reaching 1.2!
The gap was a complete blowout!
Director Jiang was ecstatic. With these ratings, the wager with the network was a done deal. He laughed heartily and said, "This month's bonuses are doubled!"
There were more cheers from the staff.
Director Jiang then asked, "What about the other data? Has it been compiled?"
"All here."
Someone handed over a document.
Director Jiang looked at it and clicked his tongue in amazement, "Our show is truly a hit! There is a huge market for original local variety shows! And, Hou Muyun is also a sensation!"
Up to the time the statistics team completed their report, the topic #MusicWar had over 1 billion mentions. The cumulative data from the eight episodes exploded in the last two episodes, and #HostHou'sMusicWar already exceeded 600 million. This was an unprecedented level of popularity for a contestant!
Moreover, the three songs Hou Muyun performed in the eighth episode had over 150,000 shares and 20 million views online! On the partnered music platforms, the total plays and downloads of Hou Muyun’s three songs reached 30 million and 1 million respectively, all entering the top five of the 24-hour play and download charts, with "Fighting the Tiger" dominating both lists!
Every piece of data made Director Jiang feel a bit eerie!
Around this time, the first volume of the "Xuan Yuan Sword Master" manga was released. This time, Changjiang Publishing House was determined, printing an initial run of 50,000 copies!
A first print run of 50,000 copies is usually reserved for well-known authors. For a manga author, only a handful in China could achieve this!
40,000 copies were sold on the Good Books website, while the remaining 10,000 were distributed to bookstores nationwide.
The promotional efforts from Qichuang Comics Network, Good Books Network, and Changjiang Publishing House were in full swing, including paid advertisements on marketing accounts.
Naturally, Hou Muyun also had to promote it on his Weibo. The response to his promotional Weibo was astounding, with 100,000 shares in just one hour. Besides fans, Shi Fifteen and other celebrities who knew Hou Muyun also helped share it.
By 8 a.m., the manga was released, and by 11 a.m., sales on the Good Books website reached 30,000 copies!
This wasn't even prime time yet.
Moreover, Hou Muyun hadn't even advertised it in his live stream!
Seeing this data, it's not just the manga industry that was shaken, but also Qichuang Comics Network, Good Books Network, and Changjiang Publishing House.
Immediate reprints were ordered!
They sensed that this volume of manga might make history in terms of sales for domestic comics!
Today could mark the emergence of a truly renowned domestic manga artist!
Before this, were there any famous local comic artists in China? Yes, but could most people name them or their works? Likely not!
People could name many famous comic artists from Japan, the United States, and even Taiwan, such as the cameo-loving Stan Lee. But in mainland China, only hardcore fans could name their local comic artists!
From today, that might change. Many people might know at least one name and his works.
After writing until 10 a.m., Hou Muyun stopped and uploaded the chapters. He then posted a notice on his live stream channel that today's stream would be postponed to the evening.
After tidying up and heading to the board game café, Liu Xin arrived early, even before the appointed time.
Liu Xin, about thirty-four or thirty-five, had a sharp look with her short hair and professional attire, exuding efficiency.
"Liu Jie."
"Yun Hou, this is Mr. Sun from the company."
"Hello, Mr. Sun."
After greetings, they sat down in the café where Fatty Ning and Chubby had already prepared some good coffee.
Once settled, Liu Xin got straight to the point, "Yun Hou, I'm sure you know why we're here. We also know that today, besides us, several other streaming platforms' executives will meet you, all for the same reason—to sign you."
Liu Xin took a contract from her briefcase and placed it in front of Hou Muyun, saying, "We want to renew your contract ahead of time. This is the new contract; please take a look. If you have any questions or requirements, we can discuss them."
Hou Muyun nodded and carefully read the contract. It was not long and quite straightforward. The contract duration was one year, and the streaming hours were calculated monthly, with no weekly or daily restrictions... The freedom was very high. The only constraint was that TT had the priority signing rights after the contract expired. Clearly, the person who drafted the contract had put in effort and had a good understanding of Hou Muyun's preferences.
As for the annual salary, it was 10 million yuan!
Hou Muyun, now familiar with the industry, knew that market value did not equal annual salary, and a 10 million yuan annual salary was already far above most entertainment streamers, reaching the level of top-tier game streamers!
Moreover, this 10 million was just the base salary. Gift revenue and appearance fees for events were additional, not to mention income from advertising or online stores within the live stream, meaning the annual salary did not equate to total annual income!
Although Hou Muyun had finished reading the contract, he continued to "read" it carefully for a while before speaking, "Liu Jie, I'm very satisfied with all aspects of this contract. I like the TT platform and feel comfortable staying there. Personally, you have been a great help to me. I have no reason to refuse this contract."
Liu Xin responded, "I understand, but there's a 'but' coming. Speak your mind."
Hou Muyun solemnly said, "Call it negotiating for a better deal or comparing options, I need to meet with the other platforms first. But I can promise you, no matter what decision I make, I will discuss it with you first."
NEXT