As for the lesser-known talents and budding starlets, there were plenty, and A-list celebrities were countless. On regular days, their biggest issue was a shortage of projects and insufficient resources to go around.
Later, when Xu Qingqiu’s first album exploded in popularity, these companies were indeed intrigued, but not overly so. It wasn’t uncommon for stars to achieve temporary fa through a stroke of luck, and they weren’t interested in just anyone. It was similar to how renowned universities competed for top scholars from each province every year; they didn’t necessarily feel the need to secure them at all costs. Making an appearance was often enough, especially since a new top scholar erged annually.
So, after Xu Qingqiu’s studio declined their offers, they didn’t press the matter. The market is so vast; how much can one really bite off? they reasoned. Moreover, even if her album was dubbed a masterpiece, could she really dominate the world in this fast-food era? Wouldn’t it just be forgotten within half a year? Could she possibly produce another masterpiece? Does she think great songs are as common as cabbages?
Furthermore, Xu Qingqiu wasn’t skilled at marketing. She didn’t even show much interest in competing in the business market, as evidenced by her lack of a single serious endorsent despite all this ti. The other companies cared even less, viewing her as just another drear chasing so-called musical ideals—easy to fool, not keen on making money, and always wrapped up in artistic pursuits.
Who could have expected that in less than six months, Xu Qingqiu would actually release another album? Although it hadn’t yet been officially labeled a masterpiece, it still effortlessly dominated the music scene, monopolizing its resources. It truly beca a sensation across the country, and even internationally.
The people at the entertainnt companies thought, Damn, is she that ferocious? No way, soone this impressive definitely can’t be left independent out there! Even if their own companies didn’t lack top female singers, others did. Whoever lacked one would go to great lengths to poach talent. If we don’t make a move, wouldn’t that be aiding the enemy?
Moreover, this wasn’t just any singer; behind her stood the even more enigmatic "Young." If Xu Qingqiu was considered four twos in a deck of cards, then Young was a pair of jokers! If soone managed to snag this duo, would there even be a competition left? It seed likely that for years to co, all other singers in the industry would shiver under the dominance of Xu Qingqiu and Young.
Just like that, an independent, top-tier female singer made these companies unable to sit still any longer.
Ban her? What damn ban? Is that even a thing? We only see a promising raw gem, a talented young person! What ban? Those are just rumors, deliberate sar campaigns by people who can’t stand to see young talent succeed. This is obviously a very gifted singer!
Thus, a tide of inquiries quickly surged toward the studio. The phone lines of all departnts handling business and external relations were ringing off the hook. So individuals had even taken matters into their own hands and shown up at their door.
"Ah, Director Jiang, it’s not that we disagree. But you know our Qingqiu—she just loves to sing. She’s not exactly averse to the comrcial side of things, but she doesn’t have much interest in it either. You understand that soone like her wouldn’t really fit in at your company, right?"
"Fit? Why wouldn’t she fit? Our Baolin is a company with aspirations too, you know! If you don’t believe , Ms. Li, you can check our history. Baolin has been a staple on Hong Kong Island and produced many hits during its golden age!"
"Director Jiang, I understand your point. However, you might not fully grasp that Qingqiu hasn’t actually made much money since her resurgence. She doesn’t do endorsents, refuses ads, and rarely attends comrcial performances. If she were to join your company, would your shareholders accept that?"
"They would accept it! What’s there not to accept? We recognize Teacher Xu’s ability. Besides, how can her music be asured by price?"
"I understand, I understand. But this is a significant matter. Shouldn’t we both give it more thought? Perhaps we could schedule another ti to discuss it in detail?"
"No... we can do it today. I am very sincere. Baolin is among the top five globally, so we’re not lacking in resources. Plus, I have considerable authority here. Whatever your demands may be, feel free to state them!"
"Another day, let’s talk another day. Her voice is resting today..."
"Well then, if it’s inconvenient for Teacher Xu right now, how about Teacher Young? He shouldn’t have any issues, right?"
"Well, Director Jiang, Teacher Young doesn’t really interact with outsiders much. However, he did ntion previously that cooperation is not an issue. So, if you have any requirents, please just let us know. Would that be alright?"
"This... Well, okay. Ms. Li, you can’t just say these things lightly. We need confirmation that Teacher Young is indeed available..."
"Absolutely, very certain!"
"That’s good. Ms. Li, please consider our offer seriously. We are truly sincere!"
"Understood, understood. Take care!"
...
PHEW. After sending off Director Jiang, Li Chunhua couldn’t help but let out a long sigh. She collapsed on the sofa, staring lifelessly at the ceiling.
"Gone? Did you like them?" Xu Qingqiu, having approached at so point with a cup of water, asked, her teasing smile unmistakable.
Li Chunhua sat up, snatched the water cup, took a large gulp, and rolled her eyes at Xu Qingqiu.
"You’re still laughing? I’m about to die from exhaustion! That was the third one today! Adding the two from yesterday, half of the top ten global record labels have visited. Teacher Xu, now that you’re so famous, are you looking down on a small-ti agent like with no real capabilities?"
"Oh, Sister Hua, what are you talking about!"
"Hmph! And you dare laugh at ! You have no idea how tired I am! These are the top ten global companies! Any single one of them could turn the music industry upside down. Who am I to offend any of them? But you can’t join them, so what else can I do besides offer platitudes? Do you have any idea how hard it is to reject people without offending them?"
Seeing her resentful expression, Xu Qingqiu felt sowhat guilty.
"Then... how about we just agree to one?"
"No way!"
"No way."
The two voices spoke in unison. It turned out Chu Tian had also walked over, just in ti to hear her words, and he rejected the idea without a second thought.
Chu Tian’s refusal I understand, but why did Sister Hua also reject it so adamantly? Xu Qingqiu wondered.
Seeing Xu Qingqiu’s sowhat puzzled look, Chu Tian was about to explain, but after exchanging glances with Sister Hua, he gestured for her to speak.
"Let Sister Hua explain."
Li Chunhua didn’t demur and began to clarify, "You can’t agree to any of them. Right now, it seems like you’ve beco a hot commodity, and everyone wants a piece of you. But that’s precisely why you can’t join any of them. If you join one, you’ll beco the target for all the others. Do you understand now?
"There’s a saying, ’if they can’t have it, they’ll destroy it.’ You’re what they can’t have, so you’re also what they most want to destroy.
"Don’t think that joining one of the top ten ans safety. They’re called the top ten because there are ten such large companies. You can only join one, which ans you’d simultaneously offend the other nine!
"Even if that one company is very powerful, can it withstand an assault from nine other competitors of the sa caliber? No! Not only can it not, but because you’re a new addition, when they weigh the pros and cons, you’d be the first one they’d sacrifice!
"Never overestimate the conscience of those capitalists. They don’t have one! You’re just a tool, understand?!"
After saying all this, seeing Xu Qingqiu looking thoughtful, Sister Hua glanced at Chu Tian beside her and continued, "Moreover, you don’t lack resources or opportunities right now. What you’d gain from joining them doesn’t outweigh the difficulties you’d face. Simply put, it’s not worth it. So why join them?
"In my opinion, rather than joining them, it’s better to maintain the image of a pure musician on the surface. Focus on quietly honing your craft and biding your ti. When the mont is right, joining Chu Tian’s company wouldn’t be out of the question."
It had to be said that although Sister Hua was still young and sotis a bit impetuous and eager for quick success, one thing she excelled at was seeing through to the hidden realities of the entertainnt industry.
In short: rely on yourself whenever possible; never think about relying on others, because no one else is truly dependable!
Of course, Chu Tian, the only one indirectly complinted, didn’t feel particularly thrilled, entirely because of the implication behind Sister Hua’s last sentence. The aning was clear: if the two of them continued on their path together, they could form a powerful alliance. If they didn’t, well, there was no need to discuss it further; the studio could continue to operate on its own.
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