Chapter 87
At this time, Su Yin was handling a relatively important task in the office and had been on the phone for a long time.
Outside the office, the forty-something musician Shang Deben sat on the sofa, waiting anxiously.
He wasn't a young man in his twenties anymore, and it had been a long time since anything had made him this anxious and angry. He had rushed over as soon as he received the news, and he couldn't let go until he got a definitive answer.
But the person inside was obviously busy, so he could only calm himself down and wait patiently for her to finish the call.
Su Yin hung up the phone. The newly promoted secretary assistant Xi Zian saw his direct superior, Secretary Wen Wen, knock on the door, go in and ask something, then come out with a nod.
He quickly went over and asked, "Can we take him in now?"
After receiving the other party's affirmative answer, the young master puffed out his chest, walked up to Shang Deben with an elite look, and whispered, "Boss Su is free now. Come in with me."
So, Secretary Wenwen watched as the young master picked up her half-finished work and finished it.
Su Yin was not surprised that Shang Deben wanted to talk to her, and she could completely guess what he wanted to say.
Sure enough, as soon as the office door closed, the other party couldn't help but speak quickly, "Boss Su, why didn't you tell me about this debut test for them before?"
Previously, Su Yin really put a lot of thought into choosing an agent for this new group.
An agent plays a vital role for any artist or group.
There are various types and styles of brokers in the industry. There are those who purely provide resources, those who are parent-nanny types, and those who are industry mentors...
Different types of artists require different agents. There is no best agent, only the most suitable agent.
As the person who is closest to the artist in terms of emotions and interests, the agent is tightly bound together by the long-term career ties and the shared honors and disgrace. For many artists, the people they trust the most are not even their family members but their agents.
Rather than how much additional resources the agent can bring to them, many artists actually value the long-term relationship and trust they have established with their agent.
In Su Yin's opinion, this group is different from the previous groups of Yuexiang Entertainment, and the current Yuexiang Entertainment is also different from the previous Yuexiang Entertainment.
For most artists and groups, various resources are more important. Yuexiang Entertainment, which already owns three top groups and a number of signature variety shows, can provide guaranteed resources to maintain exposure for its artists and ensure that they have basic online popularity.
This is also the benefit of Yuexiang Entertainment Company developing into a large company.
There will be no shortage of business, performance and exposure opportunities.
Moreover, the positioning of this group is to focus on the members' creations and high-quality, high-performance music. Their demand for non-music variety shows, interviews, and other exposure is not as great as that of ordinary idol groups.
In terms of resources in non-music fields, what Yuexiang Entertainment can provide is basically sufficient.
What they need most is someone who can truly help them in the music field and with music resources. Ideally, a manager who can control these members is best.
Even though the performance of these five members is much better now than before, Su Yin still has to be wary of some people becoming arrogant and out of control again.
Su Yin absolutely does not want to see this situation, and she must nip the hidden dangers and risks in the bud from the very beginning.
Therefore, there are only two types of agents assigned to them.
The first type is someone who has high musical quality and ability and can surpass them professionally. The second type is an experienced manager who is very capable of guiding and guiding young members.
After working in a record company for more than ten years, Shang Deben, who has countless friends in the music circle and is also a very good musician himself, came into Su Yin's sight.
In his early years, he was a singer, and later worked behind the scenes. He is a strong professional with music qualifications, experience, and connections.
He is a decent person and has never had any bad scandals or criticisms in his many years of work. He is willing to help the younger generation.
The most important thing is that during the period when he was hired to teach part-time and produce music at Yuexiang Entertainment Company, he praised An Pu, Yi Yongyan and others many times, and even mentioned that he wanted to take them as apprentices.
He is in his early forties, has always been single, and his work is relatively casual, so he actually has the time and energy.
I just wonder if he has the willingness to try a new identity besides singer, music producer and teacher - agent?
Considering that he has never worked as an agent, Yuexiang Entertainment will arrange other staff members in the team to help handle the daily affairs of the group.
The main reason for letting him be the manager was his expertise in music, his connections in the music industry, and the fact that he already had a good relationship with the five members.
At that time, Su Yin came to him and proposed this idea, and Shang Deben's first reaction was to reject it.
But after a detailed discussion between the two sides, it was indeed feasible and somewhat attractive.
Shang Deben will probably never forget the scene when Su Yin looked at him with those eyes that seemed to be able to see into people's hearts when he was hesitating.
"Teacher Shang, do you really not want to try to reach the top in a new field?"
"I personally created a new, young, and infinitely possible group that has both music and popularity, speaks with its songwriting and singing abilities, and influences the current generation, and goes out into the world with them."
"Carrying them by hand becomes a miracle."
Shang Deben, who used to be a singer and had many ambitions, couldn't help but waver in the face of the temptation thrown by everyone at Yuexiang Entertainment, which has already produced three groups that have super high popularity and influence in many countries around the world.
But just when he quit some of his originally scheduled jobs, learned how to be an agent, and even planned how to use his connections and resources to start this young group, he heard the news that the company wanted them to pass a test before letting them debut.
Su Yin hadn't told him this before.
"What if they fail to meet the requirements? They won't debut?" Shang Deben knew that Su Yin would never play tricks on him, but the irritation and worry in his heart lingered.
Su Yin calmly asked him, "It's just 500 viewers and 250 votes of support. Doesn't Mr. Shang have confidence in them?"
Shang Deben certainly had confidence in them. He had been making music since he was a teenager and had met countless young people with musical dreams. The reason he had really considered taking in apprentices was because he really liked the members.
If these five people did not really have their own talents and characteristics, and their common point was that they were far more outstanding than people of the same age, he would not have believed the future that Su Yin described.
Willing to take a few years to take a gamble.
He could only give a wry smile: "Boss Su, let's be frank. Oftentimes, no one can fathom the market, and no one dares to predict the audience's tastes."
"I've already put aside the work I was doing, just like you said, and wanted to take them out for a try. But now there's a possibility that they won't be able to debut, which—"
He admired these members and was willing to agree to Su Yin's request to be the manager of this new group. On the one hand, it was out of admiration for these young people, and on the other hand, there were naturally other considerations.
Appreciation and love cannot make a living.
Over the years, he has also seen many musicians who persist in their passion but can't even afford to eat. Everyone recognizes his talent, but what does it matter?
If the market doesn't buy it and the organizers don't invite him, it's impossible for others to feed him every time.
He once dreamed of performing on a big stage, where people all over the world could hear his songs and voice. However, after many years, he still had to rely on his family for support.
Gradually, he learned his lesson and started doing something he loved in a direction favored by the market, and gradually he began to have a source of income.
Fortunately, I did make a lot of friends during those years, and I did create some achievements and gain some fame by working behind the scenes.
He came to Yuexiang Entertainment because of a friend's introduction, and he was really interested in this emerging idol company that paid well, had a strong pursuit of music and artists, and had a great influence among young people.
Unlike some musicians, he does not naturally look down on the profession of idol. Instead, he is quite interested in it.
Honestly, how many people can really hate money, fame, people's pursuit and love?
Therefore, although he rejected this job at first, it has now become what he values most, and he is even prepared to strive for it for a long time.
If I missed these young people and the Yuexiang Entertainment platform, it would be okay to return to my original job, but I feel like I have lost something and I am unwilling to give up!
Su Yin smiled in her heart.
The reason why she asked the company to give her such a debut test at the last minute actually had multiple purposes.
The most important purpose is naturally to let these members understand that the opportunity to debut is not so easy to get.
Even if they have touched this debut opportunity for the second time, they still have to face many uncertainties and tests, and must go all out and cherish it.
Su Yin wanted to teach a few of them a lesson. Through this special debut experience, these five members would truly cherish the opportunity to form a group that they had worked hard for, and whenever they wanted to do something in the future, they would recall the two tests and be more cautious.
By going through this special test, the members can deepen their feelings and bonds for the last time before their debut.
Facts have proved that a relationship that has been through hardships, challenges and difficulties together will always be more cherished than a relationship that has been through wealth and honor together.
At the same time, she also hoped that this agent position that was handed to Shang Deben would be taken seriously by him.
In the company, Su Yin has many potential agents, and each of them is more experienced and professional than Shang Deben in the position of agent.
Of course, Suntec does have many advantages that others do not have.
Although Su Yin's action was not directed at him, she did hope that he would get involved.
"Teacher Shang, you really don't have to worry. The conditions I set were carefully considered, and they can do it."
Faced with Shang Deben's obvious state of worry, Su Yin comforted him with a few words, but her meaning was also very firm, that this test would not be cancelled.
Shang Deben also knew that among the bosses of large companies, Miss Su was considered to be relatively approachable and willing to listen to other people's opinions.
Once the person who sits on and holds this position makes a decision, ordinary people will not be able to shake it.
Knowing they also wanted this group to debut, he tried to help secure more favorable conditions: "If we can't use the company's name or resources other than equipment and venues, can I help personally?"
Su Yin heard the question she wanted to ask, and a smile appeared on her face: "Yes, in my opinion, you two have been a community since the day I found you."
"Just be careful not to help too much, or it will be considered cheating."
Shang Deben was stunned and was somewhat touched by Su Yin's statement of community.
Although artists and their agents are indeed a community, she suddenly said this before the matter was made public, and she was so sure about it.
My mood, which had calmed down a few days ago, was stirred up again, and some inexplicable emotions arose.
It's a bit like when I was young and discussing forming a band with a few friends who also love music. It makes me feel younger too.
Shang Deben nodded. Considering his reputation over the years, he couldn't possibly help them cheat.
We can still provide them with some help in terms of song arrangement and how to attract audience interest and participation in some live performances.
As he walked out of the office, Shang Deben couldn't help but think that, in addition to the guidance he had just thought of, it shouldn't be considered cheating to call a few friends to see their performance, right?
When he returned to the floor where the trainees were practicing, Shang Deben suddenly came to his senses.
My position hasn't been announced yet, I haven't received my salary, and I haven't received any share of the profits, so why am I so eager to help them with the performance?
But before he could think about it, the members heard that their favorite teacher Shang was coming to help them with this performance test. Their uneasy mood instantly became more stable and their eyes lit up.
"Teacher Shang, we have already roughly selected the repertoire. Could you give us some reference and suggestions?"
This was Shangde's original purpose, so he naturally nodded and listened carefully to their own ideas first.
"Our idea is this: to achieve our goal, we must show off all our best skills and produce a high-quality and moving show."
Gu Jun told Shang Deben what everyone had discussed just now.
The two conditions proposed by the company were indeed difficult for them since they had no fame.
The first thing is to attract 500 audience members. This condition requires that the song style and performance form must be attractive enough to make as many people as possible willing to come and listen and watch.
If we look at it from this perspective, we need to make their performances explosive and showy enough.
Adding more high notes and intense, wild and unrestrained expressions can directly stimulate people's adrenaline and make people curious as soon as they hear it.
However, the company also set a second condition, which seemed not too difficult at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it was discovered that meeting this condition was far from a simple test.
Free live performances, regardless of the performer's level, most passers-by who are interested in this form are actually willing to join in the fun and have a listen.
But most passers-by just listen casually.
Most people don't have the patience or interest to listen to the whole thing, and after listening, they are not willing to spend time to vote for them.
This adds to the difficulty of the performance, which not only needs to attract people but also keep them.
It really made the audience feel from the bottom of their hearts that this was a good performance, and they were willing to listen to the end and even take a little time to cast a vote for them from the ballot box on the side.
When we first heard the company's announcement, we didn't have time to think too much. Instead, we focused on the fact that these five people had the opportunity to debut and form a new group.
When the five trainees who received the notice came together to another training room opened for them by the company, all five of them were present and looked at each other.
Everyone's mood and atmosphere were a little weird.
Especially when Gu Jun and others looked at An Pu and Yi Yongyan, they couldn't help but feel a sense of fate in their hearts: Ah, it turned out to be these people again.
An Pu was actually a little nervous, embarrassed, and happy, but he was too embarrassed to show it. Seeing that no one said anything after they came in, he could only stare at Yi Yongyan and then at Gu Jun, wondering what everyone was thinking.
From An Pu's perspective, he really wants to debut, and the current configuration of these five people is the best configuration he can think of, and it also makes him very satisfied.
He never expected that the company would give them the opportunity to reorganize a year after the project team was disbanded.
But he was also really worried.
His concern was not that the group was not good enough and could not meet his requirements.
Strictly speaking, the second project team eliminated several people and became the current five-member team, which happened to be the people that An Pu had in mind. Even a year ago, he could not find too many faults.
Now he was worried about whether the other three members, besides Yi Yongyan, would still want to be in the group with him after what happened last year. And whether they still had any grudges against him...
I am even more afraid that if I fail to achieve the second debut opportunity that is set with tests, I will not be able to debut again. This will be too embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Although over the past year, his relationship with most trainees has become much more harmonious and peaceful.
But the relationship between being in a group is different from that of ordinary trainees. It means being together for a long time. As partners, brothers, and the closest people, you spend a long time together every day. You appear in front of others with the same name and walk together.
For a moment, he actually felt a bit like homesickness.
Gu Jun: Ah, indeed, these people's thoughts flashed through their minds for a few seconds. Then, through rational analysis, it's no surprise that the company ultimately decided on these five people.
To be honest, these five people are indeed his ideal configuration at the moment.
None of the five members were lagging behind in terms of singing and instrumental performance. From composition to singing and playing, the five of them were able to handle it all.
Moreover, judging by their previous training, the five of them could pull off a wide variety of combinations, with two vocal teams and completely different musical genres all within their grasp.
Everyone must admit that having An Pu and Yi Yongyan in any group will definitely add a huge advantage to the entire group.
These two people are very strong in professional ability and have very personal styles. Their personal creations are the most eye-catching.
You know, there is currently no group that can sing all the songs in an album by themselves, but these two can really do it.
Even the works they submitted to the company were enough to produce several albums.
Gu Jun had long stopped dwelling on the past. Over the past year or so, the five of them had formed temporary teams and gone through several quizzes and monthly exams, with good results.
After learning that the company wanted to let the five of them make a trial debut, Gu Jun and the others' initial reaction was not rejection, but rather a bit complicated.
We've already reached an agreement and have collaborated several times. What's there to be entangled or awkward about?
After receiving An Pu's somewhat uneasy look, Gu Jun didn't bother to dither and simply raised his hand: "I have no objection to the five of us forming a group together. What do you think?"
An Pu and Yi Yongyan also raised their hands to express their agreement: "I think it's very good too."
"I'm quite satisfied."
According to An Pu's thoughts, the split of Group 2 was not just a matter of style. He felt that there were a few people in Group 2 who could not keep up with his abilities and pace. Coupled with the style issue, he didn't want to bring them along.
Nowadays, not to mention that he has matured a lot in mentality, he can see the strengths of everyone and his own shortcomings more calmly and objectively.
Now the configuration of five people is already the strongest configuration, why is he still complaining about it? Just vote in favor with both hands, okay?
The other two also raised their hands.
An Pu was just feeling happy. Their debut was almost certain! If the five of them still couldn't debut, what else could they say?
Gu Jun once again assumed the role of temporary captain, concluding the battle quickly: "From this moment on, forget about any thoughts or ideas you had before. Let them all be put behind us."
"From now on, until the end of this ordeal, we are a collective, with a common goal to achieve together."
"Can you please use your own abilities to complete this task together?"
The other four members looked at him and said in unison, "Yes!"
"Okay, then let's get straight to discussing what kind of performance would be most suitable and passable." Gu Jun is the most extroverted of the five people, and he thinks and acts more thoroughly.
Previously, the company appointed him as the leader of the second project team because he had a suitable personality and his professionalism and character could convince the team members.
If it were in another group, maybe some members would want to compete for the position of captain.
Generally speaking, the captain is responsible for public speaking. The company will not lose the captain's resources and share, and this identity is more likely to attract public attention.
But their group is different, and the benefits of previous coordination are now evident.
Gu Jun knew that the other four people might have disagreements on their professional matters, but he had no obsession with such matters as speaking to the outside world and coordinating decisions.
These people are sometimes very picky, but apart from music and performances, they prefer to avoid trouble if possible in many matters.
Therefore, Gu Jun had already prepared himself mentally. Now he would have to take on the role of temporary captain and housekeeper once again, perhaps even permanently.
However, when he and his members discussed how to attract more than 500 viewers and more than 250 viewers who were willing to listen to the end and vote for them.
The other four members all put forward their opinions and suggestions seriously.
Everyone has their own strengths and ideas, and when they got together they were able to decide on the general performance style and repertoire very quickly.
"If you want to attract strangers as quickly as possible, you must sing songs that are well-known and resonate with people."
"Okay, then let's choose a few classic old songs as backup. They have to be classic enough, popular, and well-known among the people."
"Don't forget to tell the company about the copyright issue."
"An Pu, Yi Yongyan, can you sing those songs you gave to the mysterious girl before? Do you think they are suitable?"
"One of them is pretty good. It's quite popular, and the vocal range is more suitable for the five of us. We'll ask the company together later."
"Okay, let's first decide on some songs, and then we can divide them up based on who is suitable to sing which parts."
Gu Jun took a pen and wrote down everything that had just been said. Since everyone was judging based on skill and genre, they probably had no objection to the fact that the show's effectiveness was paramount.
Sure enough, the other four members nodded as well, not striving for an average or outstanding performance.
Gu Jun then asked, "Everyone, please tell me if there are one or two songs that you are particularly good at, with particularly good effects and particularly showy techniques."
"Once he comes out, he can only fool and intimidate people." "Puchi" Everyone couldn't help laughing when they heard Gu Jun's words.
"Haha, I think there's a song that's really impressive - 'Living Towards Death'," An Pu suggested directly.
"'Run' is also OK. I became famous overnight in school with this song. Even after graduation, there was still a legend about me." Huo Xingjin chuckled.
Who hasn’t had a ton of fans thanks to their voice and musical instrument skills?
After listening to the members' considerations, song selection, and general division of labor, Shang Deben felt even more satisfied.
Looking at these talented and hardworking young people in front of him, he was really looking forward to the future that Su Yin described.
Time flies and the test period is here.
That night, Su Yin also drove there as an ordinary audience member. After parking the car, the venue had been set up and was undergoing intense pre-production adjustments. The concert was about to begin, and there were already some curious audience members waiting.
Su Yin glanced casually and saw someone she hadn't expected. Why was Jian Shu here too?
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