Huayu: When the director changed his major

"Mr. Chen, this is my business card. It's a pleasure to meet you today. Your music is fantastic!"

"Yes, let's exchange contact information!"

"I think we can collaborate; I currently have some projects."

"How about I promote these two songs? I have several artists under my management who are very suitable for this style of music, and they can definitely be promoted throughout the United States."

Seeing everyone enthusiastically chatting with Cheng Xi, Braun, who had just been the center of attention, suddenly felt a little dazed.

It's just two demos, are these old friends really making such a fuss!

We Hollywood people have seen it all, after all.

But he forgot that everyone was connected by self-interest, which was the essence of their relationship.

So it's no surprise that he's so enthusiastic about Cheng Xi now.

But Braun was still somewhat unwilling and said to Cheng Xi:

"Although there are two songs, we haven't confirmed yet whether they are original works."

Seeing Braun's unwilling expression, the people around him immediately fell silent, and no one spoke up for him.

Taylor Swift interrupted him before he could finish speaking:

"Braun, don't doubt my expertise, these two are original works."

"And with such a great piece of music, how much do you think someone would be willing to give up the opportunity to become famous and sell it to someone else?"

Upon hearing this, Braun was instantly speechless.

Yes, she is Taylor Swift's manager herself, so how could she not know the importance of good songs?

Even if I get my hands on these two songs, I can't sell them to anyone else.

The first song is a hit song, and the second song can help someone break out of their niche.

"But... Taylor Swift"

"Braun, you're my manager. I want this song now, so you need to use your professionalism to serve me."

"These two are just demos; it's too early to tell if they're good or bad."

Braun still wanted to struggle.

"Do you think I can't tell? Even if Mr. Cheng doesn't write the whole song, I'm capable of writing the chorus well even if he just gives it to me."

"Inspiration is the most important thing, Braun. You're the one who told me that. Don't let prejudice cloud your rational mind."

When everyone saw that Taylor Swift was being completely unceremonious with her top manager, they knew how interested she was in these two songs.

Then Taylor Swift turned to Cheng Xi and said:
"Cheng, I want to sing both of these songs. Give them to me, and I can help you make them known all over the world and increase your international fame."

Cheng Xi has already registered for both songs, and given the high-end nature of the gathering, he's not worried about any leaks.

On the contrary, this dramatic effect can also increase one's fame.

In the future, it might be easier to collaborate with Hollywood.

Putting everything else aside, White and Taylor Swift's attitudes have clearly improved a lot now.

The others were also looking at him with burning eyes.

This is a very intuitive change.

It was as if Cheng Xi had returned to China for a moment.

Cheng Xi: "Taylor Swift, you can sing if you want, but you still need to pass my test. After all, you have many competitors."

Cheng Xi shrugged, looking extremely nonchalant.

When I first invited you to sing, you ignored me.

Of course, I need to put on a bit of a haughty air now.

It's also a form of price gouging; you can't let others think you're being manipulated too easily.

Then the value of these two songs would be underestimated.

Taylor Swift was neither disappointed nor angry when she heard this.

Instead, he showed an excited expression.

He looked as if he had received a fun toy.

"No problem, Cheng, I'll let you know that I'm the most suitable one."

Taylor Swift's direct and enthusiastic performance made Braun feel like he had swallowed a fly.

So many people want to possess this pop queen, yet they're so enthusiastic about a yellow-skinned girl—it just doesn't feel right. And the more enthusiastic Taylor Swift is, the hotter Braun feels.

When Cheng Xi wrote "City of Stars," he was still a little apprehensive, thinking that it might not be so easy to move Taylor Swift.

So they pulled out their trump card, "Dream It Possible".

Moreover, writing a sample is also for better negotiation later.

This will better attract Taylor Swift and promote subsequent cooperation.

Cheng Xi is a pro at keeping women in suspense.

For women, going straight to the point is always the dumbest thing to do.

Victory should only be declared when there is absolute certainty.

Afterwards, Cheng Xi socialized with everyone for a while, becoming the center of attention at the banquet, with people constantly coming up to ask about her creative process.

Some people have also become interested in the films directed by Cheng Xi.

Especially White and James Wan.

If White previously only coordinated whatever Cheng Xi asked him to, without ever asking much about the film's content...

Now he's starting to take it seriously, treating Cheng Xi like a cash cow.

The weight he holds in his heart is completely different between a director who only makes Chinese films and a songwriter who can write English songs.

Just like James Wan, after listening to the song, that magical piano melody is still lingering in his mind.

This made him want to cooperate with Cheng Xi as well.

Cheng Xi also showed great enthusiasm towards Wen Ziren.

Of course, the two had different interests.

Cheng Xi wanted to collaborate with James Wan on a film, while James Wan wanted to collaborate on the soundtrack.

Regardless, everyone had a very pleasant chat tonight.

At least that's how it looks on the surface.

Only Braun looked sullen, deep in thought on a sofa in a corner of the banquet hall.

A fat white man next to him patted him on the shoulder and comforted him.

"Don't worry, there's still a $200 million bet. What's a little loss? Making money is the most important thing."

Braun's expression softened when this was mentioned.

"Yeah, I'm worried he might renege on his debt."

"Hahaha, I heard Mr. Cheng is very rich."

His overweight white friend stopped talking at this point, and the two clinked glasses and drank.

Cheng Xi, seeing that she had finished her social engagements, said she needed to film tomorrow and left early.

I've already drunk quite a bit tonight.

If we drink any more, it will delay tomorrow's filming.

Cheng Xi was aware of the gravity of the situation.

When Cheng Xi left, things were completely different from when he had just come in.

Everyone said goodbye to him very warmly.

Taylor Swift also went up and gave him a hug:
"Cheng, can I visit the set and see how you make movies?"

"Oh? Of course! Maybe you can even give me some guidance on the music and background music."

"Okay, it's a deal then."

"It's a word."

Before leaving, Cheng Xi winked at Taylor Swift, the meaning of which only Cheng Xi herself could understand.

Zhu Zhu was already waiting for Cheng Xi at the door.

Cheng Xi: "Let's go back."

Zhu Zhu: "Why go back?"

Cheng Xi: "The new toys haven't arrived yet, so let's play with the old ones first."

(End of this chapter)