Yanjing Broadcasting Building.
"You turned down Warner Music's offer?" Wu Zhoutong asked, astonished.
Warner Music Taiwan might not be doing great right now, but it was still backed by Warner Music, one of the world's three major record labels. It was only a matter of time before they rose to prominence.
Signing with such a major company was every singer's dream. There were three main reasons:
Professional packaging and promotion.Development opportunities and resource support.Expansion into international markets.
Yet Shen Lang had rejected them!
Wu Zhoutong was utterly shocked.
"Our cooperation philosophies were too different," Shen Lang said, making up an excuse.
Wu Zhoutong didn't believe him. What was the point of cooperation if not to make money? He suspected the real issue was disagreement over profit sharing.
"So, you're not releasing your album?" Wu Zhoutong asked.
"I've been agonizing over this for days," Shen Lang said, lightly touching his forehead.
"Just release it yourself," Zhao Xue interjected.
"The station has a recording studio. Submit a request—it's guaranteed to be approved," Zhang Zhong added.
"Releasing an album isn't that simple. Given the quality of Xiao Shen's songs, we can conservatively estimate sales of 50,000 copies. That means producing at least 25,000 cassette tapes and 25,000 CDs. Then there's publicity and promotion—we need both distribution channels and money. All told, 200,000 yuan is the bare minimum," Wu Zhoutong calculated, ticking off the items on his fingers.
They all knew Shen Lang's situation; this was an astronomical sum for him.
However, Zhao Xue and Zhang Zhong's earlier suggestions had sparked an idea in Shen Lang.
While this amount was a fortune to them, it was a drop in the bucket for the radio station.
The more Shen Lang thought about it, the more he realized that partnering with the station was the best option.
First, the station had ample funds and could easily cover the 200,000 yuan.
Second, with several programs boasting listenership rates of 20-30%, the station offered unparalleled promotional channels.
Having made up his mind, Shen Lang went straight to Director Yang Lin's office.
"Xiao Shen, what can I do for you?" Yang Lin greeted him, his radiant smile—which had been plastered on his face for days—a clear sign of his excellent mood, making Shen Lang's task of persuasion easier.
And yes, it was persuasion.
No radio station had ever released an album for an artist before.
To convince Yang Lin, who would then have to persuade his superiors, the best approach was to... well, stretch the truth.
"I have a small matter I'd like to discuss with you, Director."
"Oh?" Yang Lin's eyes lit up, assuming it was related to the program or Shen Lang's new song. He chuckled warmly, "Have a seat and tell me about it."
Shen Lang pulled up a chair and sat across from Yang Lin. "Director, I'm a music enthusiast. I've written songs for years and always dreamed of becoming a singer and releasing an album. But..."
He sighed heavily. "No matter how hard I try, it seems like an impossible dream. I have no money and no connections."
Yang Lin, a shrewd veteran of the industry, immediately understood Shen Lang's purpose.
This kid's trying to get the radio station to fund his album, he thought. That's absurd.
But Shen Lang had recently brought considerable benefits to the station. Moreover, he was a talented young man with a humble yet confident demeanor, which had earned him significant goodwill in Yang Lin's eyes.
Without hesitation, Yang Lin asked directly, "Are you asking the station to fund your dream of becoming a singer and releasing an album?"
Shen Lang's eyes flickered. "Do you think that's possible?"
Yang Lin didn't answer. Instead, he asked, "How much would it cost to produce an album?"
"Two hundred thousand," Shen Lang blurted out.
Hearing the figure, Yang Lin remained calm, showing no surprise.
If Shen Lang had asked for only 30,000 or 50,000 yuan, Yang Lin would have suspected he was trying to scam the station for funds.
200,000 yuan seemed reasonable.
But it was still a significant sum. At Shen Lang's current salary and bonuses, it would take him eight years of saving every penny to earn that much.
Of course, Yang Lin wasn't concerned with whether Shen Lang could generate 200,000 yuan in value, or how long it would take. His priority was what the station would gain from producing Shen Lang's album.
This was crucial.
Yang Lin cut to the chase and put the question directly to Shen Lang.
Shen Lang answered bluntly, "Money and fame."
"First, this album has ten songs. Besides the previously released 'Lonely Sandbank Cold' and 'Angel's Wings,' the other eight tracks will be even better."
"If we sell 100,000 copies with a 60% gross profit margin, we'll earn around 500,000 yuan. If the album becomes a hit, publishing houses will rush to buy the copyright. Even at a conservative estimate, we could sell it for at least 500,000 yuan."
These were all conservative projections.
Yang Lin showed no reaction. "Continue."
Shen Lang continued, "Then, I'll select a lead single and two promotional tracks for exclusive premieres on our show. Their popularity will be no less than before."
"Wouldn't launching a radio album perfectly align with our station's mission of prioritizing popular music, complementing it with classics, and leading fashion trends while providing listeners with comprehensive musical services?"
"This novelty will undoubtedly attract more listeners."
That makes sense!
Yang Lin was partially convinced but pointed out the crucial question: "It's good that young people have confidence, but how can you guarantee things will go as you plan?"
Making money is hard, and swallowing bitter pills is even harder!
Shen Lang steeled his resolve and gritted his teeth. "I'll sign a performance-based agreement with the station. If the album doesn't sell 100,000 copies and Midnight Melodies' listenership rate doesn't reach 20%, I won't take a single penny of the profits. I'll cover all the losses myself."
Worried that this wasn't enough to sway Yang Lin, he added, "I'll also grant the station permanent free usage rights to all the songs on the album."
Yang Lin's unchanging expression finally cracked with a hint of surprise.
This kid has a plan, he's organized, bold, and decisive—and he's got the talent to back it up.
Even if he doesn't become a superstar, he's destined for great things.
"I can't make this decision myself, but I'll put in a good word for you with the higher-ups."
200,000 copies was beyond Yang Lin's approval authority.
"Thank you, Director."
Shen Lang felt no disappointment, only elation.
Yang Lin's willingness to help meant half the battle was won.
Man proposes, Heaven disposes.
Time flew by, and three days passed.
Yang Lin hadn't contacted Shen Lang.
Shen Lang didn't want to press him.
During this time, another record company and a talent scout approached him.
But when the copyright issue came up, the deals fell through.
He could only console himself with the saying, "Good things often take time."
And indeed, that seemed to be the case.
When Shen Lang arrived at work today, Yang Lin, barely able to contain his smile, summoned him to his office.
"The leaders held several meetings to discuss it and finally agreed to fund your album."
"Don't get too excited yet. The initial 200,000 yuan was cut to 170,000 yuan—that's the most the station can offer."
"If you accept, come with me to sign the contract."
Yang Lin laid out the situation.
"Can I use the station's recording studio?" Shen Lang asked.
"That's a minor issue. I'll give them a heads-up, and you can use it freely."
"Okay, I accept."
The 30,000 yuan difference was significant, but with some careful budgeting, he could manage.
Shen Lang couldn't afford to miss this opportunity.
In this day and age, few were willing to invest 170,000 yuan in him.
.....
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