Chapter 5: The Gap Between Reality and Ideals

“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I ordered a latte for you. Would you like to order anything else?”

“It doesn’t matter. I usually drink instant coffee anyway.”

“Zhang, please allow me to introduce our company first. We, Wheatfield Music, are the largest pop music company on the mainland. We have a top-tier management and execution team, including artists like Pu Su, Li Chunchun, Sun Bei, Zhou Xun, Sha Baoliang, Duo Duo, Huang Zheng, and the band Backstreet Boys—all signed under us. I’m here today to represent the company and discuss a potential agreement with you regarding your future record releases and financial contract. The financial contract means—”

“Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Li.”

“Please, no need for such formality. Just call me Old Li.”

“That would be too informal. You’re quite a bit older than me. I’ll call you Brother Yanqing, and you can call me Qianjun.”

“Alright, Qianjun. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I’ll be honest and straightforward in answering.”

“Brother Yanqing, if I sign a record management contract with the company, how does the copyright work?”

“Generally, the copyright belongs to the company, but the company will pay a lump sum buyout fee. For the three songs you’ve released so far, the buyout fee won’t be less than 150,000 yuan in total.”

“Is it necessary to buy out the copyright? If I perform my own songs elsewhere in the future, do I have to pay the company?”

“Not exactly. Our own artists don’t have to pay the company. But if you really terminate the contract, the copyright issue becomes complicated. Currently, there are no clear regulations regarding music copyright in China. Usually, the record company holds the copyright and negotiates with users on behalf of the artist. This also applies to ringtone services.”

“I see.” Zhang Qianjun frowned slightly, realizing this was less advantageous than he had hoped.

Noticing the young man’s tightening expression, Li Yanqing sensed trouble and began promoting the company’s advantages.

“Qianjun, you must understand the domestic situation. It’s very difficult for musicians to promote their original works and make profits. There is almost no channel for independent musicians to profit solely from releasing recordings, including home studio productions. Musicians need a large team with extensive connections, abundant resources, market knowledge, and experience to assist them.

The record company will thoroughly analyze the singer and the works to be promoted, conduct market research, position the artist and music accordingly, participate in styling, music selection, and production, and provide conceptual promotion plans with detailed execution strategies.

Based on your musical talent and unique qualities, the company will produce, release, promote, and package you as an artist, using all traditional and personalized methods to push the music and the artist strongly.

Moreover, the company offers more than just copyright management; it has extensive experience in discovering and nurturing musicians.

As a newcomer in the music scene, you need a formal and professional record company to help you promote, expand your market, package you, release your records, operate various music distribution channels, and manage award campaigns.

As a top-tier established record company, we will specify the regions where your works can be released, the contract duration, rights and obligations of both parties, and clearly outline revenue sharing. Additionally, the company will provide you with an advance—a deductible prepayment similar to a salary advance.”

“So, royalties are non-negotiable?”

“Qianjun, you currently have no fame or fan base, only a bit of online recognition. Royalties are indeed not negotiable now. But once you become famous, the contract can be renegotiated. This is a normal process for successful artists.

If you have any requests or ideas for future development, just tell me. I have a long-standing relationship with Executive Vice President Zhang, and I’ll do my best to secure the best terms for you.”

“Me? I just want to make money; I don’t have other plans for now.”

“If making money is your goal, then you must pick our company. Once you sign, we can immediately give you 500,000 yuan.”

After saying this, Li Yanqing straightened up proudly, confident that this fifty thousand would impress the handsome young man across from him.

Offering fifty thousand upon signing—no newcomer had ever received such treatment. Of course, they still had to get Executive Vice President Zhang’s approval, but given Qianjun’s appearance and these three songs, it shouldn’t be a problem. His talent was visibly overflowing. Even if his live performance wasn’t perfect, it wouldn’t matter much because audiences are usually forgiving of singer-songwriters.

“Fifty thousand?” Zhang Qianjun frowned slightly. That’s not much...

“Yes, fifty thousand, paid immediately after signing.”

“Then how much can I earn in a year after signing?”

“Your appearance is outstanding. As long as your singing is decent and your live shows aren’t too bad, the company will package and promote you as the top newcomer of the year, get you invited to major award ceremonies, and maybe even win one or two awards. Earning two to three million a year won’t be a problem.”

“I earn two or three million, and the company makes ten or twenty million?”

“I’ll fight for you the best newcomer contract, with a 20/80 split for the first three years. After three years, the contract can be renegotiated, and you may get between 5% and 15% of the copyright revenue.”

Damn, this was too optimistic. Making money from releasing songs wasn’t that easy. Who told me some singer made a billion yuan from one ringtone?

It’s essential to retain your own copyright. In 2015, the country will issue relevant music copyright laws. Although the income might be small, it’s a steady stream that can serve as a pension.

Thinking this, Zhang Qianjun said flatly with no expression:

“Fifty thousand? That’s a joke. I don’t think I’ll sign this contract.”

“Hmm?” Glasses Guy was momentarily stunned. That’s fifty thousand yuan in hand. Could he be a trust fund kid?

He quickly scanned Qianjun’s outfit again: a common black V-neck T-shirt, black shorts made of ordinary cotton, the only brand hint was the black Crocs on his feet. No accessories, a basic Nokia phone worth no more than 3,000 yuan. Definitely not a trust fund kid.

Just as Li Yanqing was about to extol the company’s other benefits beyond money, Zhang Qianjun interrupted.

“Glasses Guy, if the deal falls through, at least we part as friends. You came all this way; it’s not easy. I have a proposal: how about working part-time as my manager? Help me find commercial gigs and joint performances. We’ll split the earnings according to standard.”

Li Yanqing, who was about to refuse, hesitated.

“Commercial gigs and joint performances require strong live singing skills. Only stars can lip-sync in such settings. Are you confident you can handle that?”

“So you’ve always been worried about this. Come on, let’s find a place to rehearse live.”

Without waiting for Li Yanqing’s reply, Zhang Qianjun stood and headed for the door. Li Yanqing had no choice but to follow.

They went to a quiet bar nearby. With few customers around, they took a table near the stage. The waiter approached.

“Lemonade,” said Li Yanqing.

“Glendronach 18,” Zhang Qianjun answered casually.

Li Yanqing glanced at him. It was only 3 p.m.—already drinking whiskey? Was this young man an alcoholic?

Seeing Li Yanqing’s expression, Zhang Qianjun anticipated his doubt.

“I’m shy. I can’t go on stage without a drink first.”

He downed the whiskey in one gulp, called the waiter to refill, and asked:

“Can I sing on this stage?”

“Yes, you can, but the band isn’t here yet. You’ll have to sing with a backing track or a cappella.”

“That’s fine. What’s the most popular Chinese song in the bar right now?”

“Probably ‘In the Spring’.”

“Hand me the backing track. I’ll sing one.”

The waiter found it odd that a young guy was drinking in the afternoon and wanted to sing, but with few customers, he didn’t mind. After informing the manager, he started the accompaniment.

Without hesitation, Zhang Qianjun began to sing as the music played.

I still remember the spring many years ago
Back then, my hair was still long
No credit card, no her
No home with 24-hour hot water
...

If one day I grow old and alone
Please keep me here in this spring
If one day I quietly depart
Please bury me here in this spring

Zhang Qianjun’s singing on stage felt flat, but below, Glasses Guy was stunned.

‘The low notes, the high notes, the wide vocal range, so much talent. Though the emotion is lacking, with such technique, the absence of feeling doesn’t matter!’

Just as Li Yanqing was about to speak, Zhang Qianjun turned off the accompaniment and began singing the chorus of “The Wind Has Risen” a cappella.

When the song ended with “Would you still be willing in the name of love?” Li Yanqing suddenly felt that this was the greatest opportunity of his life.

“Qianjun, think it over. With your talent and appearance, if you focus on singing for a few years, you could become the mainland’s Li Ming plus Zhou Naicha. In three years at most, you’ll definitely win Song King!”

Looking at the excited Glasses Guy, Zhang Qianjun thought, ‘My extras don’t cover singing skills, and I have no songwriting ability. I don’t even have 20 songs I can remember.’

“I’m enrolling in the Beijing Film Academy’s Performance Department next month. Honestly, I’m not interested in singing or nightlife venues like bars, clubs, and KTVs. I sing only to make money. So, can you help us make money together?”

Li Yanqing’s expression twisted in confusion, like someone with a mountain of gold working as a silversmith, and found himself at a loss for words.

At that moment, a man in his thirties emerged from behind the bar and said:

“Handsome guy, what’s your name? Interested in a part-time job?”