FWTS Chapter 096: Bidding One’s Time

If this were in the past, Hóu Mùyún would have signed the contract for a ten million annual salary without hesitation, not caring about freedom. Now, while he was still tempted, he felt more confident. Since he had agreed to meet with the people from those platforms, he had to follow through. Besides, Shī Shíwǔ was bringing a friend along, and Hóu Mùyún had a good idea of who it might be.

After hearing Hóu Mùyún’s promise, Liú Xīn glanced at Sūn Zǒng, who nodded in agreement. She said, "I understand your situation. Let’s leave it at that for now. We’ll be going."

Hóu Mùyún stood up, "Ms. Liú, Mr. Sūn, it’s about time for a meal. Let me treat you."

Liú Xīn smiled and shook her head, "You’ll be busy soon enough. Let’s do it next time. I’d love to taste your cooking."

"Alright!" Hóu Mùyún walked out of the board game cafe with them, watching them drive away.

In the car, Liú Xīn looked at the silent Sūn Zǒng, who had left everything to her. She asked, "Mr. Sūn, what do you think?"

Sūn Zǒng said, "This young man is more composed than we thought. Since he promised to inform you before making any decision, I think we have a chance. At least, he won’t sign with any platform today. We still hold the greatest advantage. The other platforms might not offer as much freedom, and their top annual salary is about the same. I agree with your assessment; he values his freedom and autonomy more."

Liú Xīn reminded, "All platforms are manageable, but you should know one of them is coming with Shī Shíwǔ!"

Sūn Zǒng rubbed his fingers and sighed, "Why is PT, a platform focused on gaming and sports, competing for an entertainment streamer?"

Liú Xīn shrugged, "Who knows!"

Sūn Zǒng slapped his thigh, "Send Hóu a WeChat message, as a personal gesture. Offer an additional 2 million on top of the deal!"

Liú Xīn responded, "I don’t think it’s just about the money."

Sūn Zǒng said, "It might not be, but it shows our sincerity."

Liú Xīn nodded, "True."

After the TT platform representatives left, Hóu Mùyún returned to the board game cafe and asked Xiǎo Pàng to order takeout, as there were several more meetings that afternoon.

Féi Níng curiously asked, "How did it go?"

Hóu Mùyún shook his head, "I’ll talk to all of them first."

Xiǎo Pàng, who had just finished ordering, asked more eagerly, "What price did they offer?"

Hóu Mùyún showed a finger, causing Xiǎo Pàng and Féi Níng to exclaim in amazement.

Shortly after finishing their takeout, Hóu Mùyún met with five more live streaming platforms. The representatives were high-ranking officials, demonstrating their sincerity with considerable autonomy and generous offers. The lowest annual salary was 6 million, the highest also 10 million, with the gift revenue share starting at a minimum of 20%. One platform, offering a 6 million salary, even let Hóu Mùyún keep all gift revenue, essentially paying 6 million just to attract traffic.

Around three o'clock, the seventh live streaming platform arrived, Dòuniú Live. The platform’s vice president led a significant delegation, first informing that Zhāng Hè had been dismissed and welcoming Hóu Mùyún back. They presented two contracts: one for 12 million for one year and another for 50 million for three years, with a gift revenue share of 90% and separate event appearance fees. Additionally, they promised 30 million worth of promotional resources annually.

Though the promotional resources were not actual cash, the overall terms were the highest among the seven platforms, showing immense sincerity. This was the confidence and capital of Dòuniú as the top live streaming platform!

The conditions from these seven platforms clearly indicated that substantial capital had indeed poured into the industry over the past two years!

For Dòuniú, Hóu Mùyún used the same reasoning he gave the other five platforms, citing his ongoing contract with TT as a need for time to consider.

These platforms knew that many were vying for Hóu Mùyún today, though unaware of the specific offers. Thus, each revealed their cards to compete.

By four o'clock, Shī Shíwǔ arrived with three others. One man, wearing a hat and sunglasses, was recognizable as PT Live’s CEO, Wáng Xiàozhǎng, also known as the "Entertainment Circle Discipline Committee." The remaining two were assistants.

Upon entering the board game cafe, Shī Shíwǔ smiled, "No need for introductions. Let’s talk." He turned to Xiǎo Pàng, "You must be the one Hóu always tricks. Show us some games."

With that, he led the two assistants to play board games.

Wáng Xiàozhǎng appraised Hóu Mùyún before speaking, "I know you've met many people today and haven’t finalized anything yet, correct?"

Hóu Mùyún nodded.

"Then there’s room for discussion."

Only then did he shake hands with Hóu Mùyún and sit down. "Our PT platform is relatively new, currently second in the industry. Everyone knows we focus on gaming and sports, and we were the first to sign big-name streamers like Shī Shíwǔ and Baby. My initial goal was always broad entertainment, encompassing gaming, sports, and entertainment equally!"

Wáng Xiàozhǎng was direct and assertive, not hiding his "commercial secrets." "Gaming and sports are solid, and we’re now moving into entertainment. We’ve built a framework. We have many female streamers but lack a strong male anchor, which is why I’m here today."

Hóu Mùyún remained calm, waiting for Wáng Xiàozhǎng to continue.

After a glance at Hóu Mùyún, Wáng Xiàozhǎng said, "I know the highest offer you’ve received is 12 million. I’ll offer you 15 million! If you sign for three years, you get 50 million upfront, plus stock options! Freedom goes without saying. I know you aim to enter the entertainment industry; if you face difficulties, come to me! These conditions and benefits are comparable to top-tier gaming streamers. I believe in your current popularity and your future growth."

Hóu Mùyún spoke, suddenly saying, "I believe in my future growth too."

After a brief pause, he earnestly said, "Mr. Wáng, I know you're straightforward, so I’ll be honest. I won’t sign or renew with any platform until my TT contract ends in three months."

Wáng Xiàozhǎng frowned, "Why? Such confidence?"

Hóu Mùyún candidly replied, "Confidence is one aspect. On the other hand... including you, I’ve met with eight platforms today. Each offers millions, and honestly, coming from an ordinary background, I’ve never seen so much money. But I know I can’t be easily swayed. After being ‘bombarded’ with offers, I’ve realized my value even more and know I can’t sell myself cheaply. I need time to process and think it through. Conveniently, there’s just over a month until my contract ends, enough time to make up my mind."

Wáng Xiàozhǎng said, "In other words, you’re holding out for a better offer."

Hóu Mùyún responded, "You could say that, but it’s not purely about the money."

"You’re quite composed!" 

Wáng Xiàozhǎng stood up, easing his brow, "You’re tough and bold! Claiming you’re ‘dazed by offers’ while leading so many platforms on a wild goose chase. None will be happy, but they won’t retaliate either. This move is quite smart, raising your value! With millions of fans, you can afford to be willful!"

"Risking one month for a year or more is worthwhile, though TT benefits from this! Fine, we’ll talk after your contract ends. But you can’t let me leave empty-handed… Let’s play Jenga. If you lose, promise me this: if PT offers better terms, even slightly better, you’ll sign with us."


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