Chapter 49: I Came to the Entertainment Industry for Only Three Things! (Please Keep Reading)

The conference concluded.

Inside the office, Liu Qiangxi looked at Su Mu and Qian Jida.

“High-end doesn’t have to be out of reach—it can be found in the streets and alleys. Our brand wants to be recognized by more young people, so next year we’ll be breaking into the youth trend market with new products. We’ll be launching new brand collaborations that align with current trends, and we’ll also sponsor some variety and entertainment programs.

You’re highly adaptable, Su Mu. I believe you should continue as our spokesperson.”

Su Mu smiled. “Alright, but you’ll have to increase the pay.”

Never forget your original intention; personal feelings take a back seat.

Liu Qiangxi thought it over, then smiled wryly. “Don’t worry about that. Right now, you hold the power to choose, so of course, we’ll make a sincere offer. We’ll pay you double your haute couture endorsement fee!”

Su Mu was momentarily stunned. After hearing the word “double,” he exchanged a quick glance with Qian Jida.

It’s worth noting that Su Mu’s endorsement fee, not counting the 20% from additional agreements, was already forty million.

So if that’s doubled, would it reach eighty million?

Qian Jida suddenly spoke up. “With such a high endorsement fee, there must be additional conditions, right?”

Liu Qiangxi didn’t deny it. “Of course, but rest assured, the additional conditions are mutually beneficial.”

Su Mu said, “Let’s hear it.”

Liu Qiangxi continued, “The new brand style targets the youth market, so we’ll be building it up through more channels. Starting next year, we’ll gradually sponsor variety shows with our brand’s name. The specifics aren’t settled yet, but the general idea is to collaborate with trendy variety programs. If it’s confirmed, you’ll need to participate as our spokesperson, wearing the brand throughout an entire season. Naturally, you’ll receive a separate fee for the variety shows, but the endorsement contract will run for four years, during which you can’t accept offers from competing brands.”

Qian Jida asked, “That’s all?”

Liu Qiangxi nodded. “That’s all for now, but I have to clarify the contract: if, during the endorsement period, Su Mu’s image suffers and no longer aligns with our brand’s requirements, or if your participation in our brand-sponsored variety projects fails to have a positive impact, we reserve the right to unilaterally terminate the contract and replace the spokesperson.”

Su Mu raised an eyebrow.

After a brief discussion with Qian Jida, he agreed in the end.

Double the pay—such a high endorsement fee.

There was no reason to refuse.

…

On the way back.

In the car, Qian Jida took out his tablet and started calculating for Su Mu.

“The silly drama you filmed at the beginning of the year brought in forty million, ‘Frenzy’ gave you ten million, the various variety show appearances added up to about eight million, brand endorsements totaled fifty million—it looks like you’ll make just over a hundred million this year.”

Su Mu said, “Aren’t you forgetting the eighty million double endorsement fee this time? Plus, Director Zhang already has his new crew assembled, so there’ll be another paycheck.”

Qian Jida sighed. “Didn’t Liu Qiangxi say the new deal only starts next year? So the eighty million goes toward next year’s revenue. As for Zhang Huaimou, how much do you think he’ll offer? Even if you hadn’t starred in ‘Frenzy,’ your rate wouldn’t be that low. He’s always been tough on fees, since actors are lining up to be in his productions.

There are plenty willing to lower their fees for a chance—he’s never short on actors. So how much do you think you’ll get this time?”

Su Mu shook his head. “I have no idea what he’s thinking, but my price this time can’t be less than sixty million.”

“What! Say that again, six… sixty million!?” Qian Jida’s shout nearly startled both the driver, Master Zhu, and Xiao Ju in the passenger seat.

But honestly, Su Mu holding out for no less than sixty million really shocked Qian Jida.

Su Mu’s popularity could warrant sixty million, but still—it was Zhang Huaimou he was dealing with.

Qian Jida had thought Su Mu would ask for a modest increase, maybe two million, and even then he’d worry about being accused of arrogance.

But here he was, going straight for the cap—sixty million.

Qian Jida protested, “Seriously, Su Mu, what are you thinking? Sure, we want to make money, but asking for sixty million from Director Zhang? That’s six times your last fee! Will he really agree? He’s never short of good actors, and after all the support he’s given you, can’t you show a little gratitude?”

Well, he’s not short of good actors, but I’m not short of good scripts either.

Su Mu replied, puzzled, “Gratitude is one thing, payment is another! You can’t mix them up, can you? And besides, it’s not even his money—he has no reason to shortchange me.”

Qian Jida: “!!!”

Fan Xiaoju: “!!!”

Driver: “……”

After Su Mu finished speaking, the car fell silent for a moment.

Gratitude is gratitude, payment is payment—he had a point.

There was no way to argue.

“But Su Mu…” Qian Jida began.

Su Mu sighed, patted Qian Jida on the shoulder, and said earnestly, “President Qian, have you forgotten our original goal?”

Qian Jida: “……”

Su Mu continued, “Alright, about the relationship and distinction between ‘gratitude’ and ‘payment,’ I think I owe you all a few words. Look at me…”

Qian Jida: “???”

Xiao Ju: “???”

Driver: “???”

Su Mu put on a serious face. “How many years do I have in the spotlight? Say it… never mind, I’ll say it myself—just a handful of years! Back then… I really…

So! We’re in showbiz for just three things: making money, making more money, and if we still can’t spend it all, then we can think about becoming paragons of virtue and artistry.

Thank you.”

[Speech proficiency +1]
[Script proficiency +1]
[Emotional proficiency +1]
[Skill points +0.01… +0.01+…]

Qian Jida: “……”

Fan Xiaoju: “……”

The driver, excited: “Well said!”

…

…

Galaxy City.

After the chill of October’s autumn frost, the air finally held a hint of coolness.

Zhang Huaimou’s production team was almost ready.

But this time, for the grand historical drama, filming at the capital’s studio complex was out of the question. They’d have to go to Hengdian World Studios, the largest film and TV base in the country, which not only offered bigger sets but also boasted unique natural scenery.

Fortunately, it was quite close to Galaxy City.

At this moment,

Zhang Huaimou was pacing back and forth in his hotel room, clearly preoccupied. The tea he’d made was already cold, but he had no interest in drinking it.

After a long while, he finally took out his phone and dialed a number.

Soon, a voice answered on the other end:

“Hello? Director Zhang? Has your crew arrived at Hengdian?”

Zhang Huaimou took a deep breath and composed himself. “President Yu, there’s something I need to discuss with you.”

President Yu replied, “Oh? Go ahead.”

Zhang Huaimou said, “About the investment in our drama… do you think we could add another thirty million?”

President Yu: “What? Another thirty million? Old Zhang, it’s not like Penguin can’t spare the money, but the previous budget’s already been approved. If you want to add more, you’ll need to give me a reason.”

Zhang Huaimou admitted, “I’ll be honest, President Yu, this is for increased actor compensation. As for the reason…”

President Yu cut in, “Come on, Old Zhang, that’s not like you. Usually, actors wouldn’t dare haggle with you. I’m curious—who’s the actor that’s got you so worked up? Does it have to be him?”

Zhang Huaimou spoke with conviction, “It has to be him. Otherwise, we could suffer huge losses. He’s worth every penny.”

President Yu: “Really? With him in ‘Nirvana in Fire,’ will the show be a mega-hit?”

Zhang Huaimou chuckled, “I don’t know if it’ll be a blockbuster, but he has three scripts in hand that could kill the competition…”

President Yu: “Kill the competition? Are they that good?”

Zhang Huaimou replied, “What do you think? I’m asking you for thirty million for his sake.”

After a long pause…

President Yu said, “Fine. Money’s not the issue. Let’s meet in person soon.”