Huayu: A master director who debuted as a singer

Chapter 107 Signing Ceremony

On the evening of April 30th, the live broadcast of the 9th Taipei Golden Melody Awards ceremony was transmitted across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China via satellite signal.

In a suite at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, Zheng Hui leaned back on the sofa.

On the television, the Golden Melody Awards ceremony was drawing to a close. The event was star-studded, but the elaborate formalities and insincere pleasantries seemed utterly tedious to Zheng Hui.

"Next, we will be presenting the Best Lyricist Award!"

On television, the presenter deliberately dragged out his words, opened the envelope in his hand, glanced at it, and then looked up at the camera with a professional smile: "The winner of the 9th Golden Melody Award for Best Lyricist is—'Red Rose,' Zheng Hui! Congratulations!"

As the familiar melody of "Red Rose" played in the audience, the television screen switched to the audience. However, the seats that should have belonged to the award winners were completely empty.

Because Zheng Hui's entry application was blocked, he was unable to attend. There was a brief moment of stagnation and awkwardness in the atmosphere. Then, a staff member from Universal Music Taiwan quickly walked onto the stage and accepted the trophy.

"Thank you very much to the jury for recognizing Mr. Zheng Hui. Mr. Zheng Hui regrets that he was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. On his behalf—" The staff member accepting the award read the meaningless official thank-you speech into the microphone.

Seeing this, Zheng Hui sneered in mockery.

Is this what they call the highest award in the Chinese music scene? Is this the Golden Melody Awards, which claims to be fair and just?

A curved, soft knife, not only wanted to cut his flesh, but also wanted to disgust him.

"Is it worth me flying thousands of kilometers to fawn over you over this piece of junk?" Zheng Hui shook his head indifferently.

He grabbed the remote control, pressed the power button, and the TV screen went black instantly, restoring silence to the suite.

Tomorrow, May 1st, is the day Universal Music will hold a signing ceremony for him. Compared to receiving a consolation prize on that island, tomorrow is Zheng Hui's real battlefield.

"Time to sleep~"

May 1st, 9:30 AM.

The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong's largest pillarless ballroom was already packed with people.

Universal Music booked the entire banquet hall, and the decorations were extremely luxurious. On the main stage backdrop, the words "Universal Music and Zheng Hui (Asia) Records Signing Ceremony and Press Conference" were written in dark gold lettering, next to a poster of Zheng Hui—

That was a profile picture from the album "Half a Lifetime," with deep, expressive eyes that seemed to tell a story.

Below the stage, reporters from hundreds of media outlets, including those from Hong Kong, Taiwan, mainland China, and even Singapore and Malaysia, had already set up their cameras and microphones.

The sound of camera flashes rose and fell, filling the hall with a complex atmosphere of excitement, anxiety, and tension.

The reporters gathered in small groups, whispering amongst themselves, their buzzing discussions almost lifting the roof off.

"Did you hear? At last night's Golden Melody Awards, Zheng Hui was nominated for five awards, but in the end he only won Best Lyricist!"

A paparazzo wearing a badge from a Hong Kong entertainment weekly excitedly told his colleague, "This is too tragic! All talk and no action. They hyped it up before the awards ceremony, but it ended up being a complete flop in Taiwan."

"That's right!" A reporter from the mainland frowned and lowered his voice, saying, "Everyone thought that with the terrifying sales of 1.3 million copies of 'Floating Life' across Asia, it would at least deserve a Best Album or Best Male Singer award, right?"

Even if they don't give him the title of "Best Singer," giving him two or three smaller awards would be respectable. To dismiss him with just one lyricist award is simply a slap in the face!

"Universal Records has really embarrassed itself this time." Not far away, several Taiwanese reporters speaking with a Hokkien accent gathered together, their faces full of undisguised schadenfreude.

One of the reporters sneered, "Universal originally thought they wanted to take advantage of winning a few big awards at the Golden Melody Awards and announce the signing at today's press conference to create a buzz and drive Zheng Hui's value sky-high."

Now look what's happened! They only won a minor award at the Golden Melody Awards, their initial enthusiasm has vanished, and I'll see how they manage to salvage this press conference today!

"Yes, yes." Another female reporter covered her mouth and chuckled, "Without the Golden Melody Awards, Zheng Hui's influence in Taiwan will definitely be diminished."

The top management at Universal aren't stupid; they'll probably have to cut their offer at the last minute and lower it, right?

Everyone was eager to poke Zheng Hui and Universal Music's sore spots during the Q&A session, asking this talented newcomer for his gratitude and thoughts after losing the grand prize last night.

For the media, creating idols may generate traffic, but watching those on the altar fall from grace and suffer setbacks is a more thrilling and sensational story.

It was exactly 10:00 AM.

The lights in the banquet hall suddenly dimmed, and several dazzling spotlights instantly shone on one side of the main stage.

Good morning, friends from the media.

Cheng Tung-hon, President of Universal Music Asia Pacific and a legendary godfather of the Hong Kong music scene, walked to the center of the stage.

The flashes of light went off like a torrential downpour, illuminating the entire stage as bright as day.

Zheng Donghan stood in front of the microphone, not speaking immediately, but slowly scanning the entire audience. His aura as a powerful figure, long accustomed to being in a high position, instantly silenced the previously restless reporters below the stage.

"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend the signing ceremony and press conference hosted by Universal Music for Mr. Zheng Hui." Zheng Donghan smiled slightly.

He ignored the whispers about the Golden Melody Awards from the audience and went straight to the point.

"Before officially announcing the signing terms today, I would like to review with you the series of miraculous data that Mr. Zheng Hui has created in less than a year since his debut last year."

Zheng Donghan paused, raised his hand, and a data chart immediately appeared on the large screen.

"Debuting last year, two albums, combined official cassette sales—" Jung Dong-han's voice rose: "Eighteen million copies!"

"hiss-

'

A collective gasp rippled through the audience. Although many reporters had heard that Zheng Hui's products were selling like hotcakes in mainland China, the fact that the president of Universal Music personally read out the specific figures still sent chills down their spines.

Eighteen million boxes—this means that he has completely dominated the market across the vast land of mainland China.

Before the reporters could even process the figure, Zheng Donghan dropped another bombshell.

"In the latter half of last year, after signing with PolyGram (now Universal Music), we released our first official CD, 'Stubborn.' Within just a few months, the album sold over 700,000 copies across Asia!"

"Following this, their second concept album, 'Floating Life,' was released. To date, it has sold nearly 1.4 million copies across Asia!"

"Three albums that have topped all the music charts across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong!"

It swept through listeners of all ages, from teenagers to men in their forties and fifties! This is the star of our show today at Universal Music!

"Let's give Zheng Hui a warm round of applause!"

As the stirring music began, Zheng Hui strode onto the stage under the flashing lights.

He walked over to Zheng Donghan and took the microphone that was handed to him: "Hello everyone, I am Zheng Hui."

Thank you to all the media friends for coming, and thank you to Universal Music and Mr. Zheng for your trust and guidance.

It's an honor to join the Universal Music family, and I will repay everyone with even better music in the future.

After the formulaic opening remarks, some Taiwanese reporters eagerly raised their hands, wishing they could rush up and shove the microphone into his mouth to ask about the Golden Melody Awards.

But Zheng Donghan did not give them that chance.

He patted Zheng Hui on the shoulder, turned around, and faced all the cameras, saying, "Everyone, I know that what you are most concerned about today is what price Universal Music paid to acquire this most dazzling pearl in the Chinese music scene."

All the cameras zoomed in for a close-up, and everyone's ears perked up.

"Following friendly negotiations between both parties, today, on behalf of Universal Music, I officially announce!"

"Universal Music will sign Mr. Zheng Hui with the highest-level contract in Greater China!"

"The contract is for five albums!"

"As for the signing advance payment, which is what everyone is most concerned about, that is, the signing fee..."

Zheng Donghan raised his right hand and spread his five fingers.

"Fifty million Hong Kong dollars!"

boom!

The moment those five words were uttered, the previously quiet banquet hall erupted into chaos!

"How much?! Fifty million?! Did I hear that right?!"

"This is insane! Universal Music is absolutely insane!"

"My God, a signing fee of fifty million in cash?!"

In an instant, the audience erupted in uproar. All the reporters jumped up, and the flashes of light created a blinding white wall, almost blinding people.

In the Hong Kong music scene of that era, what did a signing bonus of HK$50 million mean?

Last year, Leon Lai, one of the Four Heavenly Kings at the height of his popularity, was poached by Sony Music from PolyGram for a hefty sum, causing a huge uproar in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. The contract, which was called a sky-high transfer fee, was only HK$40 million!

In 1997, Asian pop diva Faye Wong switched to EMI Records, setting a record for the highest signing fee for a female singer, which was HK$60 million!

But that's because Faye Wong has been a legend in the music industry for many years, possessing a solid influence and an unparalleled divine status!

And now, who is Zheng Hui?

He's a newcomer who's only been in the industry for less than a year! Even if his first two albums sold well, even if he's been hailed as a genius, what makes him so special?

Why would they be able to bypass countless veteran superstars who have been working diligently in the music industry for over a decade, and directly get Universal Music, which had just completed its merger and restructuring and desperately needed to stabilize its cash flow, to invest 50 million in real money?

"Mr. Zheng! Is the signing bonus of 50 million yuan true? Is there any element of commercial hype involved?!"

"Mr. Zheng! Leon Lai only signed with Sony for 40 million last year, while Universal gave Zheng Hui 50 million. Does this mean that in Universal's eyes, Zheng Hui's commercial value has surpassed that of the Four Heavenly Kings?!"

"Mr. Zheng! Last night at the Golden Melody Awards, Zheng Hui only won a lyricist award, which proves that his professional recognition in the Taiwan market is not high! Is it too risky for Universal to spend 50 million at this time?"

Can the company's board of directors pass such a resolution?!

The reporters went completely crazy, forgetting all about the rules of raising hands to ask questions, and shouting their questions at the stage. The Taiwanese reporters, in particular, seemed to have found something to provoke, their voices so shrill they were almost cracking.

Faced with a flood of questions, astonishment, and even resentment from the audience, Zheng Hui remained standing there quietly.

Zheng Donghan, on the other hand, calmly pressed down his hands, signaling everyone to be quiet.

"Everyone, please calm down."

Zheng Donghan smiled as he looked at the excited, flushed faces below the stage: "I know that the number fifty million has shocked everyone."

Many people were wondering, how could Jung Dong-han dare to make such a huge decision? How could he dare to gamble so much on a newcomer?

Instead of answering the pointed questions directly, he began to speak slowly and deliberately, in a storytelling tone.

"Today is a good day. Since everyone has so many questions, I'll take this opportunity to skip those dry business evaluation reports and share some interesting stories about Zheng Hui."

The entire venue gradually quieted down, and all the cameras were focused on Zheng Donghan.

"The first thing happened when I first met Zheng Hui."

Zheng Donghan's eyes fell into reminiscence: "That was last year. At that time, Manager Chen from PolyGram strongly recommended this young man to me."

However, he wasn't in Hong Kong at the time. Manager Chen told me he was back recording a song and would come to talk to me soon.

"To be honest, I didn't take those words to heart at the time."

Young singers always think they can write groundbreaking melodies anytime. I thought Manager Chen was being quick; it would take at least three months, maybe half a year.

"But guess what?"

"Seven days later."

"Just seven days later, Ah Hui knocked on my office door with a fully recorded reference master tape."

The reporters below the stage exchanged bewildered glances. Seven days? Seven days to produce an album? What a joke!

In today's record industry, even seven days isn't enough time to properly arrange and mix a song.

"My first reaction was disappointment, and even a little anger."

Zheng Donghan frankly said, "I think this kid is wasting my time. Seven days? What good song can you make in seven days? A poorly made, cheesy pop song?"

"He told me at the time that his album was called 'Seven Days of Love Songs'."

Upon hearing this name, the reporters in the audience began whispering amongst themselves, frantically searching their memories.

"Seven Days of Love Songs? Have you heard of Zheng Hui releasing this album?"

"Never heard of it. Isn't 'Floating Life' the next song after 'Stubborn'?"

"Could it be a bad disc that Universal Music has shelved? Or a rejected project that couldn't pass quality control?"

Standing on the stage, Zheng Donghan took in the doubts and disdain in the reporters' expressions.

"Judging from your expressions, you're probably thinking, 'Since you've never even heard of this name, it must be a really bad song, of such poor quality that I rejected it and didn't release it,' right?"

The reporters in the front row nodded subconsciously. What else could a work produced in seven days be but garbage?

"You are wrong."

Zheng Donghan's voice rose, and his originally relaxed tone instantly became imposing.

"Completely wrong!"

"That afternoon, right in my office, I put the master tape of the song called 'Seven Days of Love' into the stereo."

"After listening to all ten songs in it—I was completely dumbfounded!"

My only thought at that moment was to find a rope, tie him to the chair, and force him to sign the contract immediately!

"I didn't even consult the board of directors; I made the decision on the spot and gave him a signing fee of 20 million! As long as he nodded, the money was immediately transferred to his account!"

The audience fell silent instantly. Twenty million? An album produced in seven days, and Jung Dong-han immediately spent twenty million?!

"But this arrogant brat refused."

Zheng Donghan pointed to Zheng Hui beside him and shook his head helplessly: "He thinks he deserves more. He told me he doesn't want to sign a full contract; he wants to sign a single-album release first. He wants to wait until this album sells out throughout Asia and proves his worth before he talks to me about his price!"

"And now, it turns out, he really does deserve more."

Zheng Donghan paused for a moment, then unleashed his most lethal weapon of the day: "Oh right, I almost forgot to tell you all. That album, 'Seven Days of Love Song,' which was made in just seven days."

I later felt that the original name didn't do it justice, so I changed it myself.

Zheng Donghan leaned down and spoke into the microphone, enunciating each word clearly: "That name is—'Floating Life'."

These words were like a bolt of lightning from the heavens, striking the center of the banquet hall.

An unprecedented uproar erupted throughout the hall!

"Floating Life?! He said that album is called 'Floating Life'?!"

"Insane! 'Floating Life,' which sold 1.4 million copies across Asia, was produced by Zheng Hui in just seven days?!"

"How is this possible?! 'Red Rose,' 'Ten Years,' 'King of Karaoke'—these are timeless classics, all in seven days?! Is he a god?!"

The journalists' worldviews were completely shattered; their proud industry knowledge was torn to shreds by a few casual words uttered by Zheng Donghan.

Those who were previously mocking Zheng Hui's defeat at the Golden Melody Awards are now gaping, unable to utter a single complete sentence.

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

The first to react was a senior reporter from Taiwan's United Daily News, who was in the front row.

His eyes reddened with anger, and he suddenly stood up, loudly questioning, "President Zheng! Even if 'Floating Life' really was recorded in seven days, that only proves that he recorded quickly!"

Those ten songs were very likely drafts he had painstakingly compiled over several years while he was at home!

"To spend a staggering 50 million on a single copy of 'Floating Life,' which may have taken him years to create? Isn't that a bit too frivolous? What if he's lost his touch? What you're doing is still an extremely risky gamble!"

These words expressed the sentiments of many reporters present.

Yes, many pop stars become famous overnight with a few good songs they accumulated before their debut, but then their second and third albums quickly flop and they disappear from the public eye.

Using 50 million to gamble on a newcomer whose talent pool may have already been depleted is simply throwing away shareholders' money!