Chapter 133: I Ignited His Dream

The more reserved Tang Zhichu appeared, the more of a pity Su Yuanchao felt it was.

Su smacked his lips, unsatisfied with his own explanation. Seeing Tang suddenly retreat, he added, "Perhaps my way of putting it was off. Doing it the way I described initially is indeed a hassle—it lacks punch. You are different; you have immense advantages. You started on DY (Douyin), didn't you? Ask their investment department to take a stake. President Yu is also here—if he wants in, he could take a stake too. Leave the professional work to the professionals, and you can just focus on writing songs and being the boss."

The more he spoke, the more Su felt the weight of Tang’s potential. His initial suggestion had been suited for an ordinary person without connections—the safest path. But Tang hadn't been interested in that, and rightfully so; for a young man starting a business, a high-profile approach is what makes it thrilling.

As he calculated the implications of this high-profile route, even Su was taken aback. Good grief, the advantages Tang could leverage were endless.

Tang quickly waved his hands. "No, no, it sounds way too complicated. How could I ever handle all that? The first way was better."

Su stared at him, pondered for a moment, then leaned in closer. "I thought the first way was better at first too—after all, it’s about keeping your feet on the ground. But when you think about it, these are advantages you already possess. You have the talent and the background; it’s like adding wings to a tiger. If President Yu wants to play, Tencent is a massive channel. If you can convince DY, that’s another massive channel. With those two conditions, you don't even need to go out and scout for people; they’d be waiting at your doorstep."

"You could do more than just artist management and resource brokering; you could step directly into the channel level. Think hard about what I’m saying, kid. You really should try starting an entertainment company."

Just then, Yu Hua chimed in, "President Su makes a fair point. If you want to do it, I think it sounds quite interesting. Taking a stake wouldn't be an issue."

Su’s eyes widened. He quickly whispered, "Quick, pour President Yu another drink! Isn't there a saying in the industry about 'nobles'—people who elevate you? This is exactly what that is!"

Tang turned to pour wine for Yu, but still insisted, "President Su, your advice is excellent, but I’m still hesitant. There’s too much involved. I’m afraid I’d be worked to death."

Frustrated by Tang’s lack of ambition, Su continued, "You hire a professional manager to handle the friction! They are the professionals. At the end of the day, all you need to ensure is that you can keep writing songs. Let me put it this way: say, for example, your copyright income for one song is currently one million. Once the company is up and running, that becomes three, four, or even more, because there will be people dedicated to expanding your copyright channels—KTVs, overseas markets, variety shows, galas, and so on. These are the benefits of a large company. For instance, if Tencent does another talent show, with President Yu’s influence, they’ll use your songs directly. That’s all money—passive income, and it keeps your popularity high."

Tang fell silent for a moment before asking, "But... but are professional managers really reliable?"

"Pfft!" Yu Hua spat out his wine. He thought to himself, *Kid, you’re practically counting your profits on my face.* To Yu, that question sounded like a fishing hook.

However, to Su, Yu’s reaction looked like he was laughing at Tang. Tang Zhichu was clever, that was true, but his experience was limited; his expression showed he still held a certain awe for the entertainment industry.

"Hey, President Yu, it’s only natural. I was even less experienced than Tang back in the day," Su said, helping Tang save face before continuing, "Don't worry, with the right systems and contracts, they are reliable. But you must find someone with deep experience; this is no small matter. You are right to be cautious."

Tang nodded and raised his glass. "I have learned much. I will go home and ponder this carefully. I think you yourself are quite remarkable, President Su—experienced and accomplished. When the time comes, I’ll look for someone based on your standards."

Tang’s words sounded like a natural expression of gratitude while flattering Su.

However, upon hearing this, Su felt a jolt in his heart, as if a door had just been pushed open. *What if... what if I were the one to be that professional manager? With all those advantages, good heavens, I dare not even think about it!*

An itch began to grow in his heart, though he couldn't help but feel that perhaps he was too old for such impulsive moves.

Tang began pouring drinks again. "Come, let’s have a toast. This is to you and President Yu."

He stopped there, never mentioning the subject again, but Su was lost in his own thoughts for the rest of the meal.

After dinner, as they saw Su off, Yu Hua gestured toward Tang and laughed. "You, you’re casting a spell on him. Su Yuanchao is a wild spirit by nature. If he goes back and impulsively terminates his contract with Yiyun, he’ll have to pay a fortune in damages."

Tang shrugged. "President Yu, you’re mistaken. I’m just igniting his dreams. To him, it feels like he’s the one who inspired me."

Yu Hua was stunned. After a long pause, he said, "How ruthless. People pay to buy your songs, and now, they can’t even turn back."

On the gravel path, Tang and Yu walked side by side. Neither brought up the company. To Tang, the timing wasn't right; to Yu, he was afraid of offering the wrong price. Tang’s progress was becoming smoother, exceeding even Yu’s understanding. He was a hard nut to crack. Yu even thought that talking to DY first might be better.

"I’m meeting some foreign businessmen soon," Yu suddenly said.

"Foreigners?"

"Yes. The show’s format is highly replicable, which is why I wanted multi-platform cooperation. Even if our own people criticize me, there are people from South Korea and Southeast Asia wanting to buy the show’s rights, and television stations in Europe and America have inquired too."

"Impressive."

"It also means higher visibility. Don't be a passive observer anymore. If you have anything else in your arsenal, help me turn up the heat."

"Understood."

In the last episode, Tang hadn't wanted to be a passive choice, but an accident had occurred. Yu hadn't spoken clearly, but Tang understood. The show had enough length; now it was time to expand its breadth.

Yu got into his car and left.

Tang shoved his hands into his pockets and began pacing around the lawn. After half a circle, he pulled out his phone and found Su Qingzhuo’s WeChat.

"President Su, I’d like to borrow Sister Luo Jia again."

Perhaps she was busy, as it took five or six minutes for a reply. "What for?"

"She has my documents; I had her keep them last time. I feel the timing is right. I want her to help register a media company in the name of an investment firm."

"Have you discussed this with Yu Hua?"

"Not yet. He might come to talk to you first. President Su, we’re old comrades—you can't sell me out."

"Hard to say. It depends on what price the other side offers."

"..."

"Aren't you moving a bit too fast? Do you need me to find you an assistant?"

"That would work. How about you just give Sister Luo Jia to me?"

"In your dreams!"

Ending the chat, a smile appeared on Tang’s face. He had strengthened his relationship with Su Qingzhuo. *I even let you arrange my assistant—that’s sincere enough, right?*