Are you trying to force me to become a star?

Chapter 17 For Freedom

"This matter is actually quite troublesome."

On Monday morning, Xu Jinyan received a call from Shen Nan, and the two chatted like old friends. Midway through the conversation, Xu Jinyan asked about Wang Yizhen.

Shen Nan continued, "In recent years, Fengtai Group has invested a lot in music, and has already surpassed the other two companies, closing in on Canglan. If they want to sign you at all costs, then Wang Yizhen might be abandoned. After all, his behavior was indeed shameless, and no one can say anything about firing him. So ultimately, it depends on whether your value can entice them."

Xu Jinyan was truly impressed by this sixth brother, so she said earnestly, "I will prove my worth."

Shen Nan: "..."

Why aren't you following the script? You're a talented young man, and your value is up to you to decide. How can the company define it? Besides, there's an old man named Sun at Fengtai Group who doesn't get along with you. Do you really want to go there?

So Shen Nan said seriously, "Let me tell you, your value and talent are undeniable. No one can deny it..."

As he was talking, he suddenly heard laughter coming from the other end of the phone. He immediately realized what was happening and said angrily, "You little brat, are you kidding me?"

Xu Jinyan laughed and said, "No, no, Teacher Shen, I just remembered something happy."

"What's making you happy?"

Before he could answer, Shen Nan continued, "Never mind, you definitely understand what I mean. I really don't know where you get so many ideas at such a young age, and the key is that you can even write good songs."

"Let's get down to business. Can you tell me your plans?"

Xu Jinyan thought about it. Old Shen was indeed good to him, and Sister Nan also said that he was a good person. So he replied seriously, "Teacher Shen, actually I still prefer to stay near home. After all, I still need to study for another year, and I also want more freedom."

Shen Nan asked, "What kind of freedom are you referring to?"

Xu Jinyan said without hesitation, "I want the right to choose whether or not to participate in any activity! I want my team to revolve entirely around me and not accept anyone's interference! I want the freedom to say no to the company's arrangements!"

Shen Nan really wanted to ask: Do you want to go to heaven?

What's going on here? Did the company bring back a tyrant? If you want freedom so badly, go be an independent musician! If you want independence so badly, open your own studio! So you really treat the company like your home, spending company money as you please? And then you're not cooperating at all?

You wrote two songs, look at you!

Shen Nan took a deep breath and said seriously, "Jinyan, I don't even need to ask to tell you directly, this is impossible. Not to mention you, even the company's music director, Chen Yunlu, doesn't have that kind of freedom." He couldn't understand why Xu Jinyan, who wasn't a simple person, would make such a childish request.

Before Shen Nan could continue, Xu Jinyan said, "We can discuss the profit sharing."

Shen Nan: "..." He even doubted that he had heard correctly.

He ignored Shen Nan's silence, which was actually the result of his careful consideration.

Who would complain about not having enough money? The vast majority of conflicts in this world ultimately boil down to issues of interests.

Old Sun gave him positive emotions and appreciated him during the semi-finals, but after the finals, he became the second-ranked player.

Of course he can become an independent musician. He has popularity and fans now. In the era of social media, as long as he releases a song, people will listen to it. Moreover, as his fame grows, he can get all kinds of film and television roles, variety shows, fashion, endorsements, and so on.

However, besides music production, publicity, public relations, legal affairs, data analysis, project coordination, and so on cannot be accomplished by working alone.

As for whether to open a studio or join a company, his roommates also asked him this question: Yu Han is a conservative, thinking that joining a big company is less troublesome, and that there are the best guarantees in terms of logistics and resources. Without these, those trivial matters can drive you crazy; Pang Lei is much more radical, thinking that if he opens a studio, he can make all the decisions himself, do whatever he wants, and not care about anyone else.

After hearing this, Xu Jinyan felt that the radicals were still somewhat conservative.

Why not treat the company as your own studio?

Among the four major companies, he has the most comprehensive logistical support, so he can completely "borrow a chicken to lay eggs".

Of course, the company isn't stupid. It's impossible to fulfill all of his "demanding" requirements, but if you create more value, the company will be more accommodating, thus reaching a level that is acceptable to both parties.

As he "creates" more and more music, he enjoys even greater freedom. Just like Yuehua today, isn't it essentially a Wang Yibo concept stock?

The reason I told Lao Shen all this today is to let them know how much I value these things. Otherwise, after signing the contract, he'll be constantly rushing to announcements, appearances, and banquets, with an extremely irregular schedule, just like his past self.

In his past life, he worked overtime and drank alcohol constantly, all for the sake of survival, right?

Now that they've achieved financial freedom, why would they trade their freedom and health for wealth? After their material needs are largely met, of course they want to pursue spiritual enjoyment.

……

……

After his call with Lao Shen ended, he received many more calls from small and medium-sized companies. Since he had already decided to join one of the Big Four companies, he didn't keep them hanging and politely declined them.

"It's alright, Professor Xu. I hope we'll have the opportunity to collaborate in the future."

"Okay, goodbye."

He hung up another phone call and couldn't help but sigh. He was now a teacher too; it seemed like everyone in this circle was a teacher.

What a great circle! The saying "Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me" is perfectly exemplified here.

The phone rang again. He picked it up and saw it was Kong Chun calling. He was puzzled; what terrible thing had happened that couldn't be discussed on WeChat?

"Feed?"

"Jinyan, quickly check Weibo and look at the trending topics."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"Of course, Li Lianjie replied to you, holy crap, he replied to you, you're awesome."

Opening Weibo, I saw a post titled "Li Lianjie and Xu Jinyan" trending at number three on the hot search list.

As one of the two representative figures of Chinese kung fu today, Li Lianjie is well-known around the world and is one of only two Chinese actors with global influence. He has long been a big name in the industry.

Clicking on this trending topic leads to a video. The background looks like an office, and Li Lianjie and Yu Shan are sitting on the sofa.

Li Lianjie began with a smile: "This morning, Director Yu Shan showed me a musical performance, which was Xu Jinyan and his 'Huo Yuanjia.' To be honest, I was very impressed after watching it." He then added a gesture to emphasize his shock.

"As everyone knows, I have a movie called 'The Legendary Fok' coming out soon, and I'm under a lot of pressure. But the moment I heard this song, I felt like all the heavy burdens on my body were lifted off my shoulders."

"It's the same theme, but full of passion and energy, and it's a wonderful combination of traditional Chinese culture and modern music." As he spoke, he gestured wildly.

"It made me feel like I was back in my youth, full of dreams and striving for success, even though I'm forty. I'm very grateful to this young man, and I sincerely wish him to face life with optimism and happiness, and to always cherish his dreams. Keep going!"

Director Yu Shan then laughed and said, "Actually, I've been worried about the theme song for the movie for quite some time. What kind of music should it be to incorporate the sharpness of the kung fu I want, while also highlighting the theme of martial virtue? When I heard Xu Jinyan's 'Huo Yuanjia,' I felt that it was exactly what I wanted."

"So to thank him, I dragged Jie Ge along to record a video, telling him that his music is amazing and we are all very grateful to him. We hope he continues to work hard and create more great music."

This concludes the video.

Xu Jinyan hadn't expected them to be so accommodating; this video was far better than paying licensing fees. If they had paid licensing fees, it would have been a simple transaction.

However, this created a social connection between them. He helped the production team with good music and saved them money. The production team also gave him face by bringing in a superstar to support them, and he benefited greatly as well.

So he registered a Weibo account, got it verified, and posted a message of thanks.

This damned social niceties!