dkrc Chapter 34 Forget Each Other in the Jianghu
Chapter 34 Forget Each Other in the Jianghu
"How much?" Chen Liming asked directly.
Wang Bo slowly uttered a number: "Ten million."
A soft gasp came from the other end of the phone.
Wang Bo added fuel to the fire: "Moreover, the contract stipulates that if an artist unilaterally breaches the contract, not only will they have to pay a termination fee, but the copyright of all music works previously invested and produced by the company will permanently belong to the company. In other words, even if I leave, I can't take the recording copyright of the song 'Once Upon a Time' with me."
What he said was half true and half false—copyright clauses do exist, but they are not absolute.
However, in situations like this, details are not important; what matters is the overall presence.
There was a full ten seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.
Just when Wang Bo thought the other party was about to be scared away, Chen Liming's voice rang out again, even more composed than before: "Ten million is indeed no small sum."
"However," Chen Liming changed the subject, "Starlight Media is willing to cover eight million of it."
Wang Bo: "...?"
This isn't how things are going to go. Logically, upon hearing "ten million," shouldn't one just yell "Are you crazy?" and hang up?
"The remaining two million," Chen Liming continued, "if you experience temporary cash flow problems, the company can advance the payment, deducting it from your future income in installments. Mr. Wang, isn't that enough to show our sincerity?"
Holding his phone, Wang Bo stood in the morning sunlight, gaining his first direct understanding of the phrase "wealthy and powerful."
Goodness, a termination fee of ten million, and they agreed to pay eight million without batting an eye, and the remaining two million can be paid in installments.
Starlight Media isn't poaching talent, they're digging for gold!
He couldn't help but admire them in his heart; big companies are indeed big companies, with sharp eyes.
Although "The You of the Past" is a hit, it is still just a song. It shows his commercial value, creative potential and live performance ability. The fact that he was willing to invest so much in it shows his courage and judgment, which truly deserves his status as an industry leader.
Despite his praise, Wang Bo remained completely unmoved.
He even wanted to laugh a little—if Chen Liming knew that the real termination fee was less than 500,000, would he be so angry that he would fly over and strangle him?
"Mr. Chen," Wang Bo's tone became much more sincere, "I am very grateful for your company's appreciation and such generous terms. But I'm sorry, I still cannot accept them."
"Why?" Chen Liming's voice held a clear hint of doubt for the first time. "If the conditions aren't enough, we can talk again. Do you have any other concerns?"
Wang Bo looked out the window as the city slowly awoke in the morning light.
He recalled Zhou Yuji's dashing figure at the airport, the trust in Su Xiaoxiao's eyes when she pushed the bank card towards him, and Su Yiyi's daily, unwavering delivery of rock sugar pears.
I also thought of... someone.
"Mr. Chen," he said softly, "does Starlight Media have an artist named Zhang Lei?"
The person on the other end of the phone was clearly taken aback: "Zhang Lei? Yes, she's an artist our company is currently heavily promoting. She's already a second-tier artist, and the company plans to push her to near-first-tier status next year. You know her?"
More than just knowing.
That was the ex-girlfriend whom the original owner had loved with all his heart and soul, only to be ruthlessly abandoned by her in the end.
"I know her," Wang Bo said, his tone devoid of emotion. "She's my ex-girlfriend."
There was complete silence on the other end of the phone.
Wang Boneng could imagine Chen Liming's expression at that moment—a professional vice president of the artist management department, who, while poaching talent, suddenly discovered that the target artist's ex-girlfriend was in his own company, and was even a key talent he was grooming.
"So," Wang Bo finished his sentence for him, "it's not suitable for me to go to Starlight Media, we'll run into each other all the time."
After a long silence, Chen Liming slowly spoke: "Mr. Wang, personal feelings shouldn't affect career choices. Starlight Media is a professional company and won't allow personal relationships between artists to interfere with work. Moreover, Zhang Lei's main focus is on pop love songs and film and television OSTs, which don't conflict with your musical style; there might even be room for collaboration..."
"Mr. Chen," Wang Bo said, his tone still polite but with an undeniable air, "I personally believe that people who have truly loved each other should forget each other after breaking up. Forcing them to work together is not good for either of them."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "Besides, what if one day I write a new song called 'The Girl I Once Was,' and it moves the entire audience to tears, and the media digs into it and finds that the inspiration came from my ex-girlfriend who works at the same company, and you guys are currently promoting her... Wouldn't your company's PR department be swamped with work?"
Chen Liming gave a wry smile on the other end of the phone.
He realized that Wang Bo's words, though seemingly a joke, were actually a firm statement.
Being loyal and righteous, and unwilling to live under the same roof with his ex-girlfriend for personal gain, seems both naive and precious in the fame-driven entertainment industry.
"Mr. Wang," Chen Liming sighed, his tone filled with genuine admiration, "you are a very sentimental person, which is rare in the entertainment industry."
He stopped insisting and said instead, "Since that's the case, I won't force you. But Starlight Media's doors are always open for you. If there are any opportunities for collaboration in the future—such as a single collaboration, appearing on a variety show together—or if you change your mind, please contact me anytime."
"Thank you, Mr. Chen," Wang Bo said sincerely.
After hanging up the phone, Wang Bo breathed a sigh of relief.
The boast of ten million was made, and Starlight Media's offer was completely rejected.
He turned around and saw Xiaolin staring at him in disbelief, biting into a fried dough stick.
"Brother Wang," Xiao Lin swallowed the food in his mouth, his eyes wide, "you just said... how much is the termination fee? Ten million? Didn't we only agree on a 300,000 penalty in the contract?"
Wang Bo shrugged: "Don't you understand the importance of bluffing in business negotiations?"
Xiao Lin gave a thumbs up: "Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! But Brother Wang, Starlight Media is willing to offer eight million, aren't you tempted? That's Starlight Media!"
Wang Bo picked up the now-cold soy milk, took a sip, and said casually, "Tempted? How could I not be tempted? Eight million! I'd be singing commercial shows for ages!"
"Then why are you refusing?"
"Because," Wang Bo looked out the window, where the sunlight was just right, "some things are more expensive than eight million."
My phone vibrated again; it was a WeChat message from Su Xiaoxiao: "Starlight Media is contacting you again?"
This woman is too well-informed. Wang Bo suspected that his phone was being tapped. He replied, "Yes, the vice president personally came forward and said he would help me pay the eight million yuan termination fee."
Su Xiaoxiao replied instantly: "??? How much did you tell them about the termination fee?"
Wang Bo: "Ten million."
Su Xiaoxiao: "...You're better at business than me, so what?"
Wang Bo: "I told him my ex-girlfriend works at your company, so I'm not going."
Su Xiaoxiao sent a string of ellipses, followed by: "This reason is very Wang Bo-esque. But well done, I'll treat you to dinner tonight to celebrate you not being kidnapped by eight million."
Wang Bo laughed and typed: "I want to eat the expensive stuff."
Su Xiaoxiao: "Okay, street vendor mala tang with two eggs, isn't that expensive enough?"