"Ah, if being handsome is a sin, then I am surely beyond redemption." Jiang Changsheng told an ancient, cliché joke from future generations, and everyone present burst into laughter.
He continued, "You've never heard me sing, so how do you know I can be a singer?"
Tian Xingguo spoke eloquently: "Just based on your looks, singing skills don't really matter. After a little training, as long as it's passable, the recording studio can handle the pitch correction.
When the Little Tigers first debuted, they didn't have much in terms of vocal skills either."
"What about the songs?" Jiang Changsheng asked further.
"Songs are even simpler. We have various channels for sourcing tracks. If all else fails, we can cover popular foreign songs. Right now, the information barrier between China and abroad is quite high; we just write Chinese lyrics to repackage them, and the public won't even notice."
Upon hearing Tian Xingguo's words, Jiang Changsheng immediately understood that adapting Japanese, Korean, European, and American songs was also a time-honored tradition in the Chinese music industry.
Pan Weibo, a Chinese-American singer launched by Warner a few years later, had signature tracks like *Gecko Stroll* and *My Microphone*, both of which were cover songs.
Rene Liu's cover of *Later* was even an explosive blockbuster hit of the year.
"Let me introduce you to the current situation at Warner."
"Warner Music has followed a path of mergers and acquisitions since its inception. Currently, our operations span the globe, making us one of the world's top three record companies.
In 1991, the company acquired UFO Records in Taiwan, establishing the subsidiary Warner UFO. It boasted numerous popular Chinese-language singers and enjoyed a glorious period.
Unfortunately, internal strife among the management of Huaxia UFO led to a slump in performance, and the company's major stars successively terminated their contracts and left. Because of this, I was transferred by the headquarters to the Asia-Pacific region to take charge of Warner's record business in China, with my primary task being the resolution of Huaxia UFO's dilemma.
After taking office, I poached Samson Chow, the former CEO of Century Records, to serve as the general manager of Warner UFO, and the company's operations have gradually gotten back on track."
Tian Xingguo drained his glass of wine, ate a piece of beef, and continued, "Backed by the group company, Warner UFO will soon make a comeback.
The company currently doesn't have any top-tier flagship singers. If you join now, you will get the most and best resources."
Jiang Changsheng wasn't overly excited. He smiled and asked, "As far as I know, Warner doesn't have any operations in the mainland, and I certainly won't go to Taiwan to develop my career."
Tian Xingguo laughed heartily: "It's true we don't have operations in the mainland yet, but once we sign you, won't we? As long as you aren't tone-deaf beyond cure, I have the authority to give you the best songs and promotional resources.
You are currently a best-selling author and already have a certain level of fame in the mainland, so promoting your songs will yield twice the result with half the effort.
Since you are Daddy's disciple, as well as Xingjian's brother and matchmaker, I won't keep things from you: Warner has long had its sights set on the mainland record market. The company is already in talks with popular singer Na Ying, and barring any accidents, she will sign with Warner once her current contract expires.
At the same time, we will continue to carry out our merger-and-acquisition style by buying record companies in the mainland. Campus folk music is currently very popular in the mainland, and we are optimistic about this market; we are preparing to acquire Song Ke's Maitian Music."
Jiang Changsheng nodded. Whether considering personal relationships or the company's situation, Warner was indeed the most suitable choice. Instead of immediately agreeing, he said:
"Today is a good day. I'll sing a song for everyone to liven up the atmosphere."
Just as everyone assumed the "good day" referred to Tian Xingguo and Dong Jing, they heard Jiang Changsheng say:
"This song is called *The First Time*, dedicated to my beloved Ms. Zheng Shuangling."
Ignoring everyone's shocked gazes, Jiang Changsheng began to sing acapella:
"When you look at me
I haven't spoken yet, but you've already guessed it
Still feeling unsure
Still haven't met your expectations
Is it just my overactive imagination
Or are you also dodging and evading
If you truly choose me
I muster the courage to accept it
Unawares, my vision begins to flicker
Oh~ The first time I said I love you
Breathing was painful, my heart kept trembling
Oh~ The first time I held your hands in mine
Losing all direction, not knowing where to go
That is the reason we fell in love together
That is the promise to stay together for life
..."
Jiang Changsheng sang with total absorption. To him, this song expressed the story of himself and Zheng Shuangling across their past and present lives. In his previous life, facing Zheng Shuangling, Jiang Changsheng didn't dare to speak up and felt unsure of himself; in this lifetime, after being confessed to proactively by Zheng Shuangling, everything from his inner hesitation to his willing acceptance and ultimate sweetness was captured in the song.
Enhanced by spiritual energy, Jiang Changsheng's vocal cords were in sublime condition—clear, gentle, and refreshing like a spring breeze. Even without accompaniment, everyone was utterly intoxicated and enthralled.
Especially Zheng Shuangling, who cupped her hands over her chest, her eyes turning red as she looked at Jiang Changsheng with deep affection and sweetness.
When the song ended, Zheng Shuangling couldn't hold back anymore; she threw herself straight into Jiang Changsheng's arms and planted a passionate kiss on him.
Tian Xingguo deliberately stirred up trouble: "Changsheng is truly a romance guru. Without making a sound, he's already won over the new generation's Flower of Jiangcheng. It seems when you were mentoring me, you still held something back."
Jiang Changsheng helped tidy Zheng Shuangling's disheveled hair before smiling and replying: "I did indeed hold back a bit when it came to you, mainly for fear of crushing your confidence.
Now I'll tell you this: as long as you're handsome enough, you'll never have to worry about lacking love. If you aren't handsome enough, you'll never understand just how proactive a woman can be."
"Screw your mother!" Tian Xingguo cursed out loud.
Tian Xingguo was extremely excited and asked impatiently, "Changsheng, your vocal conditions are fantastic—absolutely top-tier. Did you write this song?"
Jiang Changsheng nodded without changing his expression: "I wrote it."
"I have dozens more songs like this." Jiang Changsheng wasn't lying. After studying music theory, he had successively copied dozens of songs, all of which had already been registered for copyright.
"Next week, I'm going to CCTV to participate in an interview for the *Tell the Truth* program, and I'll strive to sing on the show."
By singing and doing an interview, Jiang Changsheng intended to raise his own market value so he could negotiate better terms.
"Brother Xingguo, while we have a great personal relationship, business is business. Some things still need to be laid out clearly in advance.
I can sign with Warner, but there are a few conditions:
First, a 50-50 split on record revenue. If I write the lyrics, compose the music, or participate in the production during album creation, those fees will be calculated separately.
Second, I will cooperate as much as possible with the publicity and singing activities arranged by the company, but I reserve the right to refuse, and this must be written into the contract.
Third, the copyright of the songs remains mine; I will not sell them to the company.
Fourth, if my Chinese album breaks platinum sales, then for any subsequent English albums I release, the company must give me the promotional treatment of an international first-tier singer."
Tian Xingguo hesitated somewhat, mainly because the split Jiang Changsheng demanded was too high. At Warner UFO, ordinary rookie singers usually had an 80-20 split, and those with potential got 70-30.
Only first-tier singers enjoyed a 60-40 split.
With Jiang Changsheng demanding a 50-50 split, plus the additional shares for lyricist, composer, and producer, his actual share would approach nearly 60%.
Still, Tian Xingguo didn't flat-out refuse. Signing a contract was inherently a process of bargaining and tug-of-war; it couldn't be accomplished overnight.
"Changsheng, I don't have any major issues with your conditions, but the specific details need to be discussed back at the company. Let's schedule another time to talk in detail."
"No problem."
After that, no one talked about work anymore. Once they had eaten and drank their fill, the gathering dispersed while everyone was still in high spirits.