Perfect Superstar.

'Bang!'

A stack of printed papers was slammed onto the desk, only to be picked up again moments later.

Su Qingmei fanned herself vigorously with the papers, trying to cool her growing irritation, but the breeze did little to dispel the frustration simmering in her heart.

As she fanned herself, she gritted her teeth and snapped, "This is driving me insane! Why is the air conditioning off in your office?"

The young woman felt as if she had just stepped out of a scorching sunbath, her body radiating heat.

Dong Yu, watching Su Qingmei with amusement, asked, "What happened this time?"

The office, situated within Qingyu Media's headquarters, certainly had its air conditioning running. Su Qingmei's discomfort stemmed entirely from her emotional state.

"It's him!" Su Qingmei said angrily.

"I went all the way to the Creative Park in the Fifth Ring today, trudging through so much effort to locate his tiny, shabby workshop. And what does he do? He sends his so-called manager, some Lu Xi, to negotiate with me!"

Holding the contract in her hand, Su Qingmei's eyebrows shot up in frustration. "Not only did they demand 200,000 Yuan for one song, but they also refused to sell the full copyright. The contract is limited to just five years. That's outright daylight robbery!"

Recalling the earlier negotiation at Lu Chen's workshop, Su Qingmei's anger flared anew.

The other party, a woman of a similar age to her, was polite and professional in demeanor. Though Lu Xi agreed to sell the song's copyright, she was unyielding on the terms of the contract, refusing to budge an inch.

But Su Qingmei wasn't one to back down either. A disagreement quickly escalated, and in the end, she stormed off in frustration.

While she could reluctantly accept paying 200,000 Yuan for the full rights to 'Fly Higher', she couldn't stomach the thought of paying such a price for only partial rights. The song had already been publicly performed by Lu Chen and was even available for download as a live recording on WeChat Music.

Compared to 'In Spring', its value was significantly lower. Yet, they clung to it like it was a priceless treasure.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

"Oh?"

However, much to Su Qingmei's disappointment, Dong Yu's reaction showed neither shock nor anger.

It was as if Dong Yu had anticipated this outcome all along.

"Why aren't you upset?"

Dong Yu chuckled. She opened a drawer, pulled out a sheet of paper, and handed it to Su Qingmei.

"What's this?"

Su Qingmei, puzzled, took the paper and examined it carefully.

It was the latest sales data for Wandering Band's debut album, 'In Spring', on WeChat Music.

As of August 1:

Total bundled album downloads: 110,560

Single downloads:

In Spring: 250,150

Reason to Be Strong: 97,803

I Want A Family: 72,610

Total downloads: 500,000+

WeChat Music, one of the earliest platforms to offer legitimate music downloads in the country, was a recognized barometer of success in the pop music industry.

Despite being a small album with only five songs, 'In Spring' had dominated the WeChat Music charts since its release. The album topped the overall album sales chart, while its titular track led the single sales chart— holding dual first-place positions.

For a recently debuted band releasing their first album, these numbers were astronomical.

Beyond the prestige, over 500,000 downloads also translated into substantial revenue.

On WeChat Music, a high-quality single download costs 1 Yuan, with bundled albums priced at an 8-Yuan discount.

Thus, the bundled album's 110,000+ downloads generated 440,000 Yuan in revenue. The three singles brought in an additional 420,000 Yuan, pushing the total earnings close to 900,000 Yuan!

In the digital age, traditional record sales have been decimated by piracy and alternative media channels. The CD market was on its last legs, and no one in the industry— be it an independent artist or a major label— relied on physical sales for income anymore.

Most artists now chased "fan economy" models, earning through endorsements, merchandise, and other avenues. Albums and records were produced more for prestige and fan service than profit.

Paid downloads, while a small glimmer of hope, only attracted loyal fans willing to support their favorite artists. In this context, even tens of thousands of downloads were considered an exceptional achievement.

With 'In Spring' riding high on both charts, it was a resounding success.

Of course, Qingyu Media, as the copyright holder, didn't pocket all the revenue. A significant portion was shared with WeChat Music and marketing costs also needed to be factored in.

However it was important to note that WeChat Music was only one of many distribution channels.

Holding the thin sheet of paper, Su Qingmei could feel the weight of its implications.

Her anger began to subside.

She also understood Dong Yu's message— Lu Chen's workshop had earned the right to set its price.

The sales figures were public for anyone to verify online. If Su Qingmei were in Lu Xi's position, she would also stand firm and demand better terms.

Currently, Lu Chen and his Lu Chen Workshop aren't well-known enough, and many industry peers likely haven't caught on yet. However, underestimating their sensitivity would be naive.

Once the scent of profit is in the air, companies will swarm like flies, all vying to grab a piece of the pie!

And the price might even go up!

Su Qingmei couldn't sit still. "I'll go talk to her again right now..."

Dong Yu sighed, "Wouldn't that just give her a reason to raise the price even further?"

Su Qingmei's cheeks turned red, and she reluctantly sat back down.

Dong Yu couldn't help but remark, "In the future, let Manager Song from the Agency Department handle negotiations with Lu Chen Workshop."

She was one step away from outright criticizing Su Qingmei for overstepping her role. 'You're the music director. Stick to your own responsibilities and stop encroaching on others' jobs.'

Su Qingmei bit her lip, her eyes darting mischievously. Suddenly, she said, "Why don't we just poach Lu Xi? She seems smart and capable. Let's hire her as the manager of our business department, and she can handle all negotiations with that guy!"

'Using one's weapon against them— what a clever move! If Lu Chen thought he was so great, let's see how he'd deal with his own hire!'

The more Su Qingmei thought about it, the more brilliant the idea seemed.

As for whether they could actually poach Lu Xi? That wasn't a concern at all.

Qingyu Media's salary packages, resources, and growth potential outshined that tiny workshop by miles— practically from the front gates to Beihai Park!

Seeing the triumphant smile on Su Qingmei's face, Dong Yu could only sigh and touch her forehead in exasperation.

She retrieved another document from her drawer and handed it to Su Qingmei.

Su Qingmei snapped out of her thoughts and took the paper, only to find it was Lu Chen's personal profile.

She was stunned. What was Dong Yu trying to say?

"Take a closer look at Lu Chen's family background," Dong Yu said calmly.

Following her hint, Su Qingmei's gaze fell on the "Family Members" section of the document.

Father: Lu Qingsheng (deceased)

Mother: Fang Yun (Accountant, Binhai City Tax Bureau, Zhejiang Province)

Sister: Lu Xi

Younger Sister: Lu Xue

Lu Xi? Lu Xi!

Su Qingmei nearly jumped out of her chair. Lu Chen's workshop manager and agent was named Lu Xi!

Her Chanel handbag still held the business card Lu Xi had given her!

This was a massive embarrassment!

Su Qingmei's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue as she avoided Dong Yu's gaze.

She had always prided herself on her professionalism, yet here she was, making mistake after mistake. She had even thought about poaching Lu Chen's sister to use against him.

If not for Dong Yu's reminder, acting on such an idea would have made her a laughingstock!

"Aah! I'm done with this!"

Su Qingmei tossed the file aside, grabbed her handbag, and bolted out of the office as if fleeing for her life.

Dong Yu chuckled, shaking her head. She picked up her desk phone and called for Song Xinwei to come to her office.

Song Xinwei, in his early thirties, entered the room dressed impeccably in a suit and gold-rimmed glasses. His neatly combed hair and dignified appearance gave him the aura of a polished corporate elite.

As Qingyu Media's Deputy General Manager and head of the Agency Department, he was one of Dong Yu's most trusted aides.

Dong Yu handed him Lu Chen's profile and the performance data for Wandering Band's album. She also briefed him on Su Qingmei's earlier negotiations with Lu Chen Workshop.

She said, "Apart from the naming rights, we must acquire full copyright ownership of this song. That's a non-negotiable starting point. But the transfer fee is flexible. I'm authorizing a budget of up to 500,000 Yuan."

Song Xinwei was startled. "Isn't that too much?"

A single song for 500,000 Yuan was an astronomical figure, comparable to works from top-tier industry veterans!

Dong Yu smiled. "That's where your negotiation skills come in. 'Fly Higher' is a perfect fit for Compass Band. I don't want anyone else snatching it away— and believe me, someone will try."

Song Xinwei's expression turned serious. "Understood."

Leaning back in her chair, Dong Yu added, "Go ahead, but make sure not to let them sense our urgency."

Her relaxed posture inadvertently accentuated her stunning figure.

Song Xinwei nodded, a fleeting, imperceptible glint of heat flashing in his eyes.

…

The next day, he and his assistant went to Lu Chen Workshop to resume negotiations over 'Fly Higher'.

However, by then, Lu Chen was no longer in the capital.

He had joined the Singing China program team on their national tour.

…

On August 5th, the Shenyang PK battle began. Lu Chen defeated his opponent with an original song, 'Dust in the Wind'.

On August 8th, he moved to Huhai, narrowly winning against Huhai's Top 10 leader Zhang Xiumin with his song 'Golden Time of Youth'.

Their total scores differed by a mere 1.75 points!

On August 11th, the tour team reached Hangzhou.

In what was practically a home game, Lu Chen swept through the challengers in the Hangzhou division with his song 'These Flowers', claiming yet another victory.

He rode high, unstoppable in his ascent!

(End of Chapter)

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