SED Chapter 22: Collaborative Studio
If an ordinary graduate from Huaxi Opera were in this situation, they might be overjoyed or even ecstatic about the olive branch extended by Lang Wenxing.
But Liu Zixia is different. In his previous life, he was a top-tier singer and a high-level executive in a media group, making him well-versed in the ins and outs of the entertainment industry.
In this life, Liu Zixia doesn't want to be constantly on the move because Xiao Yueyue needs someone to take care of her. He can't just pursue his dream of becoming a superstar and leave Xiao Yueyue back with Li Mengyi, can he?
Not to mention whether Li Mengyi would accept it, Liu Zixia himself couldn't bear the thought!
After all, his motivation for making money is to ensure Xiao Yueyue has a happy and prosperous life. Without Xiao Yueyue, what's the point of earning so much money?
"Mr. Lang, I'm sorry, but I can't join your company."
Liu Zixia's attitude was firm. There were plenty of ways to make money, and besides, Yihua Publishing would soon start generating revenue. There was no need to sacrifice time with Xiao Yueyue for some immediate benefits.
"Why..." Lang Wenxing was filled with disappointment and wanted to ask further.
"Ah, these dishes are getting cold. You both should eat!" Zhang Wenhao, knowing Liu Zixia's nature, decided to interrupt. Once Liu Zixia made up his mind, it was hard to change. "By the way, Liu, where is Xiao Yueyue? I haven't seen her these past couple of days. I miss her."
"She’s at kindergarten."
Mentioning Xiao Yueyue brought a smile to Liu Zixia's face. "Previously, her mother had to take her out of school due to work. I only found out yesterday that she’s back in kindergarten."
"The little girl in the video is your daughter, Mr. Liu?" Lang Wenxing's eyes lit up. "Which kindergarten does she attend?"
"Sunflower Kindergarten!"
Liu Zixia knew Lang Wenxing was unwilling to give up, but he didn't care. When it came to Xiao Yueyue, there was no room for compromise.
"What a coincidence!" Lang Wenxing slapped the table, abandoning his usual composure. "Mr. Liu, my daughter, Hanh Hanh, also attends Sunflower Kindergarten!"
Liu Zixia was taken aback, then smiled. "Indeed, quite a coincidence."
"Um... my daughter also goes there." At this moment, Zhang Minghao timidly added.
"..."
Liu Zixia was speechless. Could it be more coincidental? Was this arranged?
"Mr. Liu!"
Lang Wenxing's persistence shone through. "I think your reluctance to join our company is due to time constraints, right? Rest assured, at Wenxing Entertainment, your time is entirely flexible. I also guarantee that for any work—be it performances, films, TV shows, or advertisements—I will seek your approval first. If you disagree, I will not proceed. How about that?"
"Hmm?"
Liu Zixia looked at Lang Wenxing in surprise. He didn't expect this man to be so bold, essentially giving him complete freedom, similar to major stars with their own studios.
No, actually, even those big stars with their own studios don't get such generous terms. After all, some things those stars can't refuse, but Wenxing Entertainment dares to offer because of its dominant industry position.
Seeing Liu Zixia's hesitation, Lang Wenxing pressed on, "You don't need to worry about Yueyue. My daughter Hanh Hanh is four years old, and I always have a driver to pick her up. If you join our company, it will be convenient to arrange the same for Xiao Yueyue."
To be honest, Liu Zixia was tempted—not for himself, but for Xiao Yueyue!
"Are you serious?" Liu Zixia asked.
"Absolutely. I can include these terms in the contract." As he spoke, Zhang Minghao returned to the couch and took out a laptop from a black briefcase.
"Old Lang, you've been plotting this all along!"
Seeing Lang Wenxing’s actions, Zhang Minghao slammed the table and cursed, "We agreed to just have a meal today. But here you are, pulling one stunt after another. Do you still want to be friends?"
"Hey, hey, Old Zhang, don’t be mad!" Lang Wenxing apologized repeatedly. "I was wrong, okay? Next time, I'll have Xiaorou cook a nice meal at home just for you. Will that make up for it?"
"Alright, I’ll let it slide this time for Xiaorou’s sake." Zhang Minghao was just trying to lighten the mood and wasn’t actually angry. "Where’s the contract? Let me see it. Don’t try to fool my buddy Liu."
"Give me ten minutes to revise it." Lang Wenxing waved his hand and started typing on his laptop.
...
Ten minutes passed quickly, and Lang Wenxing handed the laptop to Zhang Minghao.
Having been in the entertainment industry for a long time, Zhang Minghao was well aware of the tricks in contracts and didn't want his new friend to be deceived by the cunning Lang Wenxing.
Taking the laptop, Zhang Minghao carefully read every word.
Liu Zixia leaned in to read as well.
As for agency contracts, Liu Zixia was very familiar. In his previous life, he had handled nearly a thousand of them, so he read faster than Zhang Minghao.
"Old Lang, are you serious?"
It took Zhang Wenhao ten minutes to read the contract, and he was shocked.
This wasn't an ordinary agency contract but a collaboration agreement similar to setting up a studio.
Frankly, given Liu Zixia's current lack of fame, even a rookie contract would have been acceptable, as that's the industry norm.
But Liu Zixia's situation was different. Perhaps Lang Wenxing valued him highly, or maybe because this was Lang Wenxing's first contract since returning to the industry, the terms he offered were to co-establish a studio with Liu Zixia, with Lang Wenxing as the company’s partner and Liu Zixia's agent.
The only condition was that Wenxing Entertainment would take a 20% cut of the studio's future earnings.
In other words, the studio would be a small company where Lang Wenxing holds a 20% stake, and Liu Zixia holds the remaining 80%.
Moreover, during the studio's initial phase, Wenxing Entertainment would provide a monthly operational fund of 100,000 yuan until the studio became profitable.
"Of course, I'm serious." Lang Wenxing nodded solemnly. "Mr. Liu is worth it. I believe he won't let me down!"
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