Ji Juntao remained silent, and Shang Yechu did not press her. He simply lowered his head and wrote a few more clauses on the contract before pushing it back to Ji Juntao.
“These things can’t be rushed,” Shang Yechu said with a smile. “The second part of ‘Xiao Feng Que’ will probably be broadcast in about half a month. You can contact me then.”
Shang Yechu put on a mask, stood up, and left without waiting for Ji Juntao to see her off.
Ji Juntao was indeed sincere, but he hadn't yet shaken off the arrogance and haughtiness of a newcomer. Shang Yechu didn't want to give him the illusion that she couldn't live without him.
The reason why a B visa is considered a sincere offer is because Ji Juntao stated from the beginning that it was only a draft and could be adjusted. It's also because of the term of this B visa—only five years.
Around 2010, almost all entertainment companies in the industry began signing artists for a minimum of ten years with no upper limit. Even for unknown trainees and obscure extras, the minimum contract term was ten years. Moreover, the higher the contract level, the longer the contract period.
Ji Juntao's willingness to offer a five-year B contract clearly expresses his humble attitude: I know my company is too small to keep you, but I'm willing to be your temporary residence, stepping stone, nanny, agent, and driver for five years; a transit point, a stepping stone. Once you become famous, you can immediately kick me to the curb, and I won't waste any more of your time.
—If you are still not satisfied with these conditions, then we can talk again.
If it were Metafilm or Tianding Entertainment, this B contract would be virtually unchangeable. Big companies often abuse their power; A is A, B is B, they'll sign it or not, it's up to them.
To use an imperfect analogy, this attitude is like a poor, subservient sycophant who knows he's unworthy of a goddess and is willing to be her temporary caretaker for five years, only to dump her and find a new caretaker when she's better off. It's a kind of self-deprecating sincerity. Of course, given Qingping Entertainment's financial difficulties, this sincerity is more about form than substance.
Ji Juntao wasn't a philanthropist. Shang Yechu could tell that Ji Juntao's original plan was to give her an A visa. The B visa was just a test. This still-inexperienced CEO made a common mistake: underestimating others. In her view, Shang Yechu was only twenty years old and had become famous almost overnight; she could probably be manipulated using conventional negotiation tactics.
Although slightly annoyed, Shang Yechu didn't take it to heart. There aren't that many heartwarming stories of instant connection and genuine affection in this world; most relationships are just mutual testing, a push and pull.
There's rarely a perfect solution in this world. Even the top artists struggle to simultaneously possess three things: flexible short-term contracts, good resources and compensation, and sufficient influence. Wanting the resources and connections of a large company, the same influence as in a small company, and a three-to-five-year contract to earn enough money before going solo—are capitalists just like seamstresses, always busy making wedding dresses for others?
They could either sign with a big company like a typical second-tier city, be at the mercy of that company for ten or twenty years, and follow a conventional path of high traffic; or they could choose a place where they could make their own decisions. Shang Yechu simply chose the latter.
Qingping Entertainment is the place where Shang Yechu has real control, and it has an advantage that other small workshops don't have: Shang Yechu knows it will definitely grow bigger and bigger.
Shang Yechu went downstairs and hailed a taxi.
While waiting for the bus, 103 suddenly asked, "Are you absolutely certain that Ji Juntao will succeed again?"
Shang Yechu asked, puzzled, "Why not?"
"Isn't there a theory called the butterfly effect?" 103 argued logically, "A butterfly flapping its wings can cause a tornado or something. You don't want to ruin a future business star."
Shang Yechu revealed a complicated expression: "Ji Juntao's company only has six unknown figures now, and they will all soar to great heights in the future. Am I some kind of cursed jinx that I can drag down the entire Ji Juntao company all by myself?"
A strong person is strong no matter where they are. If the addition of one or two people can lead to Ji Juntao's complete defeat, then she should consider switching to the funeral industry.
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