Chapter 27: Equity

Wang Tianxiao sat nervously in the coffee shop, like a primary school student waiting for his report card.

She had said everything she needed to say; she believed her tone had only been sharp when they first met.

At other times, she thought she had behaved reasonably well… right?

Cheng Chen sat there smiling at her, then finally spoke:

"Manager Wang, how were your company's revenues last year?"

"Revenues… some of that involves non-public information, but I can tell you we made a six-figure profit last year.

We have our own distribution channels; though it's been tough, we're still far stronger than most shell record companies."

Although Wang Tianxiao spoke vaguely about turnover, Cheng Chen could roughly guess the situation.

The record industry is gradually declining, and domestic record sales are now almost monopolized by major product corporations like EMI, Sony, Rock Records.

But these large record companies mostly operate in Tai Sheng and Gang Sheng, signing mostly Hong Kong and Taiwan singers—this was the golden age of Hong Kong and Taiwan pop.

Yet with the rise of the Mainland music scene, they've gradually begun launching attacks into the Mainland, and in recent years have already signed many well-known Mainland singers.

Added to this, the popularity of MP3 players and portable music devices over the past few years has made digital music an unstoppable trend.

The music industry has long been filled with voices declaring the death of physical records.

That Haitian Records has survived in this squeeze proves their strength.

As for distribution channels… as long as the song quality is high and its popularity keeps growing, they only serve to add icing to the cake.

Of course, that doesn't mean they're unimportant—just that piracy is outrageously rampant these days!

Cheng Chen took a sip of coffee and said calmly:

"I've gained some understanding of your company. I'll think it over and get back to you… about the song we agreed on earlier, I still plan to sell it to Manager Wang—just pay me market price."

"What about the other two songs?"

"We'll have chances to collaborate in the future."

"No!"

Hearing Cheng Chen's refusal, Wang Tianxiao panicked; she grabbed his shirt and stared at him earnestly:

"Teacher Cheng, can you still write songs of the quality of 'Blue Lotus' and 'Autumn Does Not Return'?"

"It depends on inspiration—if I actually sit down to write… it won't be a problem."

Cheng Chen nodded; with the vast song library from his past life, copying a few classic songs was still within his ability.

"You'll handle both lyrics and composition?"

"Yes, everything!"

Wang Tianxiao seemed to make a huge decision; she looked up at Cheng Chen and said slowly, word by word:

"5%. If you're willing to join Haitian Records, I'll give you 5% equity!"

Cheng Chen smiled slightly—he wasn't worried she wouldn't crack.

"30%." Cheng Chen made a gesture.

"Impossible! You're too greedy! 30% is absolutely out of the question!"

Wang Tianxiao rejected him without hesitation.

"Then there's nothing left to discuss?"

Cheng Chen asked.

"It's just that 30% is too high—the company isn't mine alone, I can't decide that. Teacher Cheng, don't be unreasonable."

Wang Tianxiao pleaded almost desperately.

"Then it's a waste of your time coming here personally—we'll be leaving now."

Cheng Chen pulled up Gao Yuanyuan, who was completely bewildered.

We came here to sell songs—how did we end up trading equity?

"Wait."

"10%. That's the most I can offer—really, I can't go higher."

Wang Tianxiao called out to Cheng Chen and made another offer.

"Manager Wang, I'm negotiating with sincerity—you can't play dumb with me. I want 30%. If you can't decide, call your company and ask. We're leaving now."

Cheng Chen didn't turn around as he spoke.

"Yuanyuan, help me! Can you really let your brother bully me to death?!"

Seeing she couldn't get through to Cheng Chen, Wang Tianxiao turned to Gao Yuanyuan for help.

"No, Manager Wang—my sister doesn't get involved in our affairs. Don't put her in an awkward position.

If you can't offer more, I'll find another company. Don't force yourself."

Hearing this, Wang Tianxiao nearly burst into tears—I haven't even done anything to you, why are you blaming me?!

Just who is this kid, anyway? A seasoned old fox!

He's like a rock in a latrine—stinking and stubborn!

After years of struggling in society, this was the first time she'd ever felt so powerless.

Haitian Records was founded by her alone, but as record giants carved up the Mainland market, Haitian now survives only in the cracks.

Last year, though we made six figures in profit, if we don't have a standout success this year, she'll likely turn from profit to loss by year-end.

So Cheng Chen was the straw she had to grasp—she absolutely could not let him go!

Wang Tianxiao clenched her teeth and, before the startled eyes of others in the café, rushed up to Cheng Chen and said in a low voice:

"20%. I can give you no more than 20%. If you want more, go partner with another company—but I have conditions…"

Wang Tianxiao extended her pale hand and said:

"You must give me at least five songs of the quality of 'Autumn Does Not Return'—and you must deliver them by the first half of this year."

"Hmm, but..."

"But what! Don't you think you've pressured me enough?!"

Wang Tianxiao's eyes were red, her voice trembling with emotion.

Gao Yuanyuan stood beside him, feeling uneasy; she tugged at Cheng Chen's sleeve, signaling him to stop.

"Just because of my sister... I was just about to say, if your company's singers don't meet my standards, could I try releasing an album myself?"

"Huh?"

"Pleasure doing business."

Cheng Chen extended his hand and smiled.

"Hmph."

Wang Tianxiao glanced at him, expressionless, and said:

"I'll return to Jingcheng first to draft the contract. We'll sign it when you get back to Jingcheng."

Cheng Chen awkwardly retracted his hand and said:

"Fair enough. I'll probably stay home for a week—where should I find you then?"

Wang Tianxiao tossed Cheng Chen a business card, made a phone-call gesture toward Gao Yuanyuan, then left the café.

Watching her back, Cheng Chen was baffled and said to Gao Yuanyuan:

"Why is she like this? Did I offend her?"

Gao Yuanyuan rolled her eyes and said:

"You've offended her terribly—she must hate you now. In all the time I've known Xiaoxiao, I've never seen her so humiliated!"

"But she got me, didn't she?"

Cheng Chen smiled.

"You really don't get it—Xiaoxiao's had a hard time these past years, running the company all by herself. Now that you're a shareholder, you'll have to help her properly."

"Don't worry, sis. With me around, Tianhai won't fall. Shall we head back now?"

Gao Yuanyuan shook her head and said:

"Your family matters are nearly settled. Lai Dao and I only took three days off—we need to get back soon. Once you've finished with your family affairs, we'll meet again in Jingcheng."

"Alright, let me take you to the airport."

"Okay."