Chapter 25: Wealth Without Returning Home Is Like Wearing Brocade at Night

“What did you say? You invited Xiao Yaxuan to be the female lead in your MV?”

Warner Music, General Manager’s Office.

Zhou Jianhui, who had merely wanted to confirm whether this sudden development was real, showed rare surprise on his brow, his tone tinged with disbelief.

Zhou Yi, seated upright on the chair, nodded: “Yes, so handle the contract details through the company—I don’t understand market rates.”

Compared to Sun Yanzi, still unsigned within their own company, and Zhang Shaohan, a low-profile Fumao trainee, inviting a current superstar like Xiao Yaxuan for an MV would require a massive payout, especially at this very moment.

The rumors outside are already boiling over—no one even knows if Virgin Records will let her go.

“...When did you meet Xiao Yaxuan? Are you close to her?” Zhou Jianhui, staring at this prodigy he had personally discovered, felt baffled.

Xiao Yaxuan hasn’t even set foot on the mainland since her debut at the end of last year.

“I met her the first time I went to rehearsal. As for how well we know each other—probably because I’m good-looking.”

Zhou Yi shrugged: “But she’s a nice person, so we get along well. Last night, I couldn’t get a taxi, and she’d just finished rehearsal, so she gave me a ride.”

“You know, Zhou Zong, I don’t have a car—I couldn’t refuse.”

“...”

Having spent years in the entertainment industry, Zhou Jianhui understood the subtext. But precisely because he did, he was even more astonished.

How long had he been on Baodao? Just a few dance rehearsals, and he’d already charmed the local little queen?

“Do you like her? I want the truth, Zhou Yi.”

Although Zhou Jianhui himself didn’t impose strict rules on artist relationships, this situation—where a debutant was clearly weaker than a top female star—demanded careful consideration.

The main issue was that Xiao Yaxuan wasn’t with Warner; any complications would be hard to control.

“How could I? At most, I admire her—everyone appreciates beauty. As for liking her, we’ve only known each other for a few days.”

Zhou Yi waved his hand casually: “I think she feels the same.”

Put nicely, it might be love at first sight; put crudely, it’s lust at first sight. Before a truly handsome man, women become very forward.

“Alright, I understand. I’ll contact Virgin. But I advise you not to hold out too much hope.” For Zhou Yi, Zhou Jianhui’s current attitude was simple: spoil him to death.

After all, Zhou Yi and Sun Yanzi were his absolute inner circle in this company.

If you don’t spoil your inner circle, who else will follow you?

Still, getting Xiao Yaxuan to appear in the MV was purely about leveraging her fame—this had very little chance of succeeding.

In the past, Virgin’s general manager Yao Qian would’ve put a sniper scope on his forehead.

“If Xiao Yaxuan insists, then maybe—it’s only fair, since she invited me to appear in her MV too.”

“You’re going to appear in her MV???”

Zhou Jianhui didn’t understand, but he was deeply shaken.

What kind of spell had this kid cast on her?

From a man’s perspective, aside from being taller, better-looking, singing better, having a sunnier aura, and a better physique, Zhou Yi had no other standout qualities.

Had Xiao Yaxuan, raised as a rich girl for so long, decided to try a gender-swapped version of the prince and princess tale?

“It’s only possible—her company hasn’t even agreed yet.”

“...Zhou Yi, why don’t you try convincing her to join Warner? Help me lure Xiao Yaxuan over?” Zhou Jianhui studied the absurdly young man before him, then made a shockingly bold suggestion.

If he could use a pretty-boy scheme to trick a future queen like Xiao Yaxuan into switching labels, that’d be fine.

We’re all merchants—dealings are dealings. It’s just breach of contract fees. Warner’s headquarters have money; we can just apply for a breach fee budget.

“...Zhou Zong, you’re joking—Xiao Yaxuan’s master, Yao Qian, still works at Virgin Records.” Zhou Yi laughed, utterly unprepared for this level of imagination from the Warner general manager.

So the prototype of Warner’s “Queen Palace” was already taking shape?

“Alright, fine. Oh, by the way, the company has already assembled your entire MV production team for your new album. We’ve assigned you three chief directors and four filming crews to assist.”

After finishing the gossip, Zhou Jianhui turned to serious matters, handing Zhou Yi a document and speaking seriously: “You don’t need to worry about the budget—the company will cover all costs.”

“And since you’re handling lyrics, composition, and arrangement yourself, the money saved there can be better invested into improving your MV quality.”

“The current issue is filming style and locations—especially the latter. Do you have any requirements?”

“Or, are there any places you want to go?”

In the year 2000, record companies still placed great importance on their top artists’ MV productions.

Leaving aside dance tracks that didn’t rely heavily on scenery, several love songs on Zhou Yi’s album clearly needed visual embellishment.

As the album’s producer, Zhou Yi should know better than anyone which settings would best match the mood of each song.

“One song on my album blends Peking Opera elements, so if possible, I’d like to film it in a theater on the mainland.”

“Also, I already have someone in mind for the female lead.”

As for the quality of the original MV for “Hua Tian Cuo,” Wang Leehom’s version was truly subpar. Now that I have the chance to improve it, I certainly will.

As for the female lead role, naturally I’ll reserve it for Cheng Hao, my familiar future superstar—this kind of profitable opportunity, I won’t forget my friend who often shares gossip with me.

After all, among mainland female stars I’m currently close to, Cheng Hao is the only one.

Moreover, Cheng Hao’s school, the Central Academy of Drama, is a major hub of connections. With my mission to promote new-era Peking Opera culture under Warner’s banner, the academy won’t treat me lightly—they’ll likely even earn me admiration from older, serious artists on the mainland.

Born and raised on the mainland, educated on the mainland, now that I’m succeeding, I’m still including “hidden agendas” in my album to promote traditional culture—perfectly orthodox.

Won’t that give me backing when I appear in the news later?

Although the mainland entertainment industry is currently looked down upon, Zhou Yi, who knew the future center of gravity would gradually shift to the mainland, naturally wanted to secure his position early.

Offering timely support with my orthodox background is far better than adding flowers to silk later—and it lets me position myself as the face of mainland music.

“No problem. What else?”

Zhou Jianhui, whose focus wasn’t on Peking Opera at all, didn’t care about these details—he cared only about “Happy Worship” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” the two songs strongly recommended by Li Sisong.

The rest? Let Zhou Yi do whatever he wants—as long as those two songs maintain quality.

“I need to go back to Peking University, and also to my hometown. For three love songs, just shoot in those three places—the rest can be done on Baodao.”

Zhou Yi smiled, having received approval.

Wealth without returning home is like wearing brocade at night.

He was a common man, and his desires were equally ordinary.

Don’t talk about the cost of shuttling back and forth—it’s not his money being wasted. Using Warner’s money to show off? Why not?

……………………………………

Central Academy of Drama, a female dormitory.

Cheng Hao, face bare, carried a basin as she pushed open the door—her phone in her pocket immediately rang; she glanced at the screen: the caller ID read “Big Radish.”

Seeing her roommates’ heads pop out from under their blankets, meeting those knowing gazes, Cheng Hao blinked, slightly embarrassed: “Uh, I’ll just take this call.”

“Ohoho, our beautiful Cheng Hao is blushing.”

“Exactly! Who else would call you at this hour? Isn’t it that super-hot guy you said was your brother last time?”

“Ah~ my dear little brother, sister misses you~”

“...”

Her roommates’ teasing made Cheng Hao’s ears turn red; she shot them a glare, set down the basin, and left the dorm, drawing a chorus of giggles.