Chapter 884
Wang Jing, flattered, and Lu Yang's new scheme
The Century Tower soars into the clouds, resembling the modern backbone of Shenzhen, this emerging metropolis.
Inside the private elevator that led directly from the ground floor lobby to the top floor CEO's office, Wang Jing straightened his slightly flashy tie, his palms slightly sweaty.
The elevator car walls were as smooth as a mirror, reflecting his expression, a mixture of tension and excitement.
"Ding--"
With a crisp beep, the heavy elevator doors slid open silently to both sides.
A calming atmosphere, a blend of top-quality leather, solid wood, and the subtle scent of cigars, enveloped him, completely isolating him from the outside hustle and bustle. Wang Jing took a deep breath and stepped outside.
This was his first time stepping onto the top floor of the Century Building. Even though he was used to grand occasions in Hong Kong, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion at this moment.
Over the years since he came to the mainland to develop his career, he has become increasingly aware that the man named Lu Yang possesses far more power and wealth than he had imagined when he was in Hong Kong.
Throughout the streets and alleys of Shenzhen, one can see huge billboards of Century Group or related companies. This behemoth group, which dominates southern China and extends its reach into multiple industries, has long since permeated the very fabric of the city.
No wonder… Wang Jing thought to himself.
No wonder Mr. Lu was able to gain the upper hand in numerous business battles with Richard Li, the second son of the Li family in Hong Kong, who was known as "Little Superman," and even overwhelmed him in some areas.
It should be understood that the Li family has deep roots in Hong Kong, controlling almost everything from the daily lives of ordinary citizens, making them true uncrowned kings.
Although the legendary Li Ka-shing always remained behind the scenes, strategizing and never personally involved, this Mr. Lu's ability to contend with his successor to a standstill, or even slightly outmaneuver him, is a testament to his skill and strength, worthy of awe. Wang Jing even heard that Li Ka-shing privately held him in extremely high regard.
"Director Wang, this way please." President's secretary Lu Nini was already waiting outside the elevator. Dressed in a professional suit, she smiled politely and led Wang Jing through a quiet corridor with thick carpets and decorated with valuable artworks, finally stopping in front of a heavy mahogany double door.
Lu Nini knocked gently on the door and then pushed it open.
Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the magnificent view of Shenzhen's bustling cityscape unfolds before your eyes. Sunlight pours in without reservation, bathing the expensive mahogany furniture and gleaming marble floors of the spacious office in a dazzling golden hue.
Lu Yang was sitting behind his large desk, toying with a black cube about the size of a thumb in his hand—the world's first USB flash drive, which had just changed the landscape of mobile storage and embodied enormous wealth and future ambitions.
Wei Shu, the female president of Century Group, sat on the sofa to the side, flipping through documents with a focused expression.
At that moment, Lu Yang casually placed the small USB drive on the table, next to several documents.
But in Wang Jing's eyes, that inconspicuous little thing seemed to be full of mysterious technological sense.
“Mr. Lu.” Wang Jing quickly stepped forward, adopting a humble posture with the typical Hong Kong politeness and a hint of barely perceptible restraint.
"Director Wang, please don't stand on ceremony, have a seat." Lu Yang looked up, a calm smile on his face, and pointed to the sofa opposite Wei Shu, saying, "I heard you brought me good news?"
His gaze fell on the file bag that Wang Jing was clutching tightly in his hand.
“Yes, Mr. Lu!” Wang Jing’s spirits lifted upon hearing this, and he immediately presented the document bag respectfully with both hands, saying, “As per your instructions, I urgently contacted the Asia heads of several major international record companies, including Warner, Rolling Stone, Universal, PolyGram, and EMI, and conveyed in detail your idea and strong desire to acquire their digital music copyrights in a package deal. After several rounds of communication, although they are still somewhat unclear and hesitant about the concept of digital copyrights, based on their trust in you and Century Group’s strength, as well as the generous offer we made, they have all initially expressed interest in cooperation.”
As Wang Jing spoke, he observed Lu Yang's expression. Seeing that the other party nodded slightly, he continued, "This is their initial list of core music tracks available for negotiation, as well as their desired licensing model and fee framework. I've compiled it, please take a look."
He opened the file folder and pulled out several neatly bound documents.
Lu Yang took it, but didn't look at it closely immediately. He just casually flipped through the titles and table of contents before naturally handing it to Wei Shu on the sofa next to him. "Thank you for your hard work, Director Wang. You're very efficient," Lu Yang said with a tone of affirmation.
"It's no trouble at all! It's no trouble at all!" Wang Jing waved his hands repeatedly. He felt that the trip was worthwhile to receive a "thank you" and positive evaluation from this bigwig. "It is my honor to be able to do things for Mr. Lu!"
“Hmm,” Lu Yang leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the mahogany table as he habitually did, “We will continue to trouble Director Wang; this list is just the beginning.”
His gaze deepened.
“Besides the currently popular hits, I need a more comprehensive coverage. The digital rights to those timeless classics and the valuable legacies left by those legendary singers who have passed away are equally important.”
He paused, then emphasized, "For example, the digital rights to all the songs by Teresa Teng, the legendary Taiwanese singer who influenced generations. No matter the cost, we must acquire them! Her songs are an indispensable strategic reserve in our 'copyright library'."
Wang Jing felt a chill run down his spine and immediately understood Lu Yang's deeper meaning.
Teresa Teng's hit songs, with their widespread popularity and emotional value, are immeasurable in the Chinese-speaking world, and are indeed a powerful force in the market.
"Understood! Don't worry, Mr. Lu!" Wang Jing patted his chest and assured him, "Leave this to me! I'll fly to Yizhou immediately after I get back and negotiate in person. I guarantee I'll complete the task you assigned me!"
"Okay." Lu Yang nodded in satisfaction, then stood up and said, "Since you're already here, have a simple meal with me. It's almost lunchtime anyway."
His tone was casual and left Wang Jing feeling flattered.
"Oh dear, I can't possibly trouble you, Mr. Lu..." Although he was being polite, Wang Jing's body betrayed him by standing up.
Being able to dine at the same table with a billionaire like Lu Yang is an opportunity that many people in the entertainment industry across mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong would dream of.
The group did not leave the top floor, but instead went through a private internal passage to the internal restaurant located on the upper floors of the building, which was reserved for senior executives and top VIPs of the group.
The restaurant boasts a fantastic view and understated yet luxurious decor, with a quiet private room already reserved for guests.
The exquisite dishes were served quickly.
Lu Nini stood quietly by her side, serving wine.
Lu Yang picked up a bottle of Moutai from the 50th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China series and personally unscrewed the cap.
"Director Wang, you've worked hard. Let me fill your glass." Lu Yang said, and was about to pour wine for Wang Jing.
"Oh dear! No, no! Mr. Lu, how can I let you pour me the wine? I'll do it myself! I'll do it myself!" Wang Jing was so startled that he almost jumped up from his chair. He hurriedly reached out to take the wine bottle, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Why would he let a billionaire like Lu Yang pour him wine?
If this gets out, people in Hong Kong's social circles will probably be shocked.
"Hey, it's nothing." Lu Yang held the bottle steadily, avoiding Wang Jing's hand, and poured the clear liquor into the glass. "You're the hero today, so this is only right."
His movements were natural and casual, yet they carried an undeniable sense of control.
Wang Jing held the glass with both hands, accepting the drink with trepidation. The excitement and sense of being valued he felt were indescribable. He carefully took a sip, the rich aroma of the sauce melting in his mouth, making him feel slightly lightheaded.
The atmosphere at the dinner was harmonious. Lu Yang mainly inquired about the latest developments and interesting stories in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, while Wang Jing racked his brains to tell jokes and inside stories that could please the big boss.
Wei Shu occasionally chimed in with a few words, and the topic always revolved around the upcoming music copyright operation.
After a few rounds of drinks, Lu Yang seemed to remember something, put down his chopsticks, and casually looked at Wang Jing: "By the way, Director Wang, I heard there's an artist named Wu Zongxian in Taiwan who's quite famous?"
Wang Jing was taken aback, not expecting Lu Yang to suddenly ask about a variety show host.
He nodded quickly: "Yes, yes, Wu Zongxian, Brother Xian, he's considered a top-tier host in Taiwan. His shows are very successful and popular."
"Hmm." Lu Yang picked up a piece of food, his tone as casual as if he were discussing what to add to dinner. "I heard he also owns a small record company? Is it called... Alpha Music or something?"
“Yes, it’s called Alpha Music.” Wang Jing thought for a moment and confirmed, “Brother Xian is serious about music. His company has signed a lot of new artists and released a few albums.”
He wondered why Mr. Lu would care about such a small workshop.
Lu Yang put down his chopsticks, picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, and looked calmly at Wang Jing, as if he were talking about something trivial: "Director Wang, you have wide connections and deep networks. Is it possible for you to find a way to buy this small Alpha Music company?"
"Buy it?" Wang Jing was completely stunned, his hand holding the wine glass frozen in mid-air.
Lu Yang smiled slightly: "Yes, it's just for fun."
He took a sip of tea and casually added, "You might not know this, but my group actually has an entertainment company called 'Century Light and Shadow.' It was started by a few young people a few years ago, and I've been leaving it to its own devices and haven't really managed it much. Now that we have some music copyrights, it's a good time to integrate the resources and test the waters."
The "Century Light and Shadow" he mentioned was the small workshop that Lou Hua and his brother set up when they were desperate and sought refuge with him. They invested several million yuan in it, and in recent years it has indeed been in a semi-hands-off state, producing a few art films and commercials that didn't make much of a splash.
Upon hearing this, Wang Jing's face immediately flashed with an undisguised disappointment.
He had just thought that Lu Yang was going to make a big splash in the record industry, and that he, as a "hero," would be able to become a founding father.
In the end… it was just a game of integrating an unknown small company?
This is such a huge difference! Alpha Music?
What level of company is that?
Compared to giants like Rolling Stone and Warner, they're nothing but shrimp! Why would this billionaire personally intervene?
He was internally fuming, but dared not show it on his face. Instead, he immediately became extremely alert, forcing a very serious smile onto his face: "Oh! I see, I see! Mr. Lu, you're integrating resources and laying out a cultural and entertainment industry chain! How visionary!"
He nodded emphatically, his tone resolute: "Don't worry! I know Yizhou very well, and I've dealt with Brother Xian before! It's just a small company like Alpha Music! Leave it to me! I'll definitely find a way to help you acquire this small artist management company in Yizhou at the most reasonable price!"
He patted his chest, emphasizing the word "small" as if he had taken on a strategic mission concerning the future of the group.
But in her heart she was thinking: This job is not difficult, and it is a good opportunity to get closer to Mr. Lu. Even a small thing is still something!
Wang Jing patted his chest and made a confident promise, as if acquiring Alfa Music was a top priority concerning the group's future.
Looking at his overly serious expression, Lu Yang smiled faintly and took a sip of tea.
His seemingly casual mention of Alpha and Wu Zongxian was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Just as Wang Jing was recounting gossip about the Hong Kong music scene, a thought flashed through Lu Yang's mind like lightning—next year, it seems, is the year 2000!
That year, Zhou Jielun, the young genius who would later sweep across the entire Chinese music scene, create "Chinese style", and shout "Chinese pop is the coolest", was probably still struggling in Wu Zongxian's small Alpha Music Studio, working as an assistant, writing songs, and waiting for his own slim chance.
His debut album, "JAY," will not be released until the end of the year.
Lu Yang's original plan was to have Wang Jing buy out the digital rights to Jay Chou's unreleased hit songs at a low price.
But at that moment, his thoughts shifted, and he instantly felt that the scope was too narrow.
Since the project is still in its infancy and the copyright is nowhere in sight, why put the cart before the horse? Isn't there a perfect opportunity right now to directly acquire this future superstar?
The core value of acquiring Alfa Music is that of Zhou Jielun, who might still be buying lunch boxes for people and having his songs rejected.
Wu Zongxian? That king of variety shows? Lu Yang knew all too well what Brother Xian had done later.
A few years later, due to poor management or a lack of confidence in the company's future, he sold Zhou Jielun and Alpha Music's core assets to other companies at a very low price.
This was regarded by countless music fans and business analysts as one of the "most unprofitable deals in history".
Rather than letting this future superstar be sold off cheaply to someone else, why not let Lu Yang "buy" him up cheaply now? How much is a newcomer who hasn't even debuted yet and has no fame, plus a small workshop on the verge of bankruptcy, worth?
For Lu Yang, it might not even cost as much as a top-tier banquet.
This is an absolute steal! You'd be lucky to get it!
Lu Yang's mind was churning with thoughts, but his face remained calm and composed.
He even had a wicked thought: when Zhou Jielun becomes a superstar and his endorsement fees are astronomical, he could have him endorse products under his own group… Well, of course, he'd still have to give him a token endorsement fee, since he's one of their own artists, but the money would just be moving from one hand to the other, ultimately flowing back into Century Group's pool. The thought was kind of… amusing.
"I naturally trust Director Wang to handle things." Lu Yang put down his teacup, casually ending the topic. "As for Alpha, I'll leave it to you. Just give me a result as soon as possible."
"Mr. Lu, don't worry! I'll head to Yizhou tomorrow to talk to Brother Xian in person!" Wang Jing immediately straightened his back, a sense of mission welling up within him.
Although I still felt that this task was a bit of an overkill, the big boss's instructions were always important, no matter how small!
This is a great opportunity to build a closer relationship!
Towards the end of the meal, after a few more casual words, Wang Jing tactfully got up to take his leave.
Lu Yang asked Lu Nini to escort him downstairs.
As the elevator slowly descended, Wang Jing stood inside the pristine cabin, his mind racing as he calculated the specific strategies and budget for acquiring Alfa Music.
He pondered Wu Zongxian's personality and preferences, figuring out how to negotiate a lower price without damaging the relationship, ensuring the successful completion of Mr. Lu's small task of "integrating resources and just having fun."
His expression shifted between seriousness, calculation, and confident composure.
But no matter how hard he racked his brains, he could never have imagined that the true value of the "small artist studio" he was about to acquire, which was crammed in Yizhou and was insignificant in his eyes, did not lie in the company itself, nor in its boss Wu Zongxian, but was hidden in a quiet newcomer under its wing who might be curled up in a corner of the recording studio right now, with a furrowed brow, writing strange melody scores.
That newcomer named Zhou Jielun was Lu Yang's true target, a hidden gem with the potential to shake up the entire Chinese music scene in the future. (End of Chapter)