Huayu: From the Era of Ringtones to Becoming a Legend

Zhou Jianming tossed the proposal aside, his tone dismissive:

"Twelve record companies have joined forces to boycott the station, Hunan TV is leading the ban, and they want to cooperate with Zhejiang TV. Do you think that's possible?"

Hearing Zhou Jianming's joking reply, Zuo Wei couldn't help but chime in:

"Director Zhou, 'The Voice of China' has garnered over 100 million views online and more than a million applicants—these are solid figures! As long as Zhejiang TV is willing to broadcast it, the ratings are absolutely guaranteed!"

"Can data put food on the table?"

Zhou Jianming scoffed:

"Trending is fleeting, but offending the industry is a lifelong issue. You probably don't understand the power Hunan TV wields, do you?"

As he spoke, he stood up and gestured for the guest to leave:

"Please leave, both of you. Zhejiang TV is not taking on the 'Voice of China' program, and we advise you to give up as soon as possible to avoid ending up with nothing!"

Zuo Wei's face flushed red, and he was about to retort when Lu Jiuge raised her hand to stop him.

There was no anger on his face; instead, he slowly smiled and looked directly at Zhou Jianming.

"Deputy Director Zhou, I understand that you are afraid of offending Hunan TV and taking risks."

"But have you ever considered that if we continue to stagnate in the name of safety, when will the 'deputy' label be removed?"

Lu Jiuge deliberately emphasized the word "deputy".

Zhou Jianming was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening, stood up and pointed at Lu Jiuge:

"Kid, are you trying to teach me how to do things?"

Lu Jiuge shook her head, not responding to the previous sentence, but instead changing the subject and getting straight to the point:

"Vice Director Zhou, how about we sign a performance-based agreement? If 'The Voice of China' fails to generate revenue for you, or causes losses for the TV station, I will take full responsibility. What do you say?"

Zhou Jianming's laughter stopped abruptly. He sat back in his chair, staring at Lu Jiuge without saying a word.

Lu Jiuge sat down in the chair opposite him, and continued to explain with a confident air:

"This performance-based agreement isn't a perk for Zhejiang TV; it's a stepping stone for Director Zhou's promotion!"

Zhou Jianming picked up the "Dragon Kingdom's Good Voice" proposal again, tapping his knuckles on the cover, and began to speak seemingly casually:

"Explain your performance-based agreement in detail!"

"Everyone's saying that you, Lu Jiuge, always like to play dirty tricks. I'd like to see what kind of schemes you can pull!"

Having accomplished this much, Lu Jiuge knew that the matter was already half successful. She poured herself a glass of water, took a sip, and then said:

"For the show 'The Voice of China,' if the ratings exceed 1, the revenue will be split 50/50; if the ratings exceed 2, Guizhou TV will receive 70% and Zhejiang TV will receive 30%."

If the ratings exceed 3, Qianxing will exclusively enjoy the subsequent derivative development rights, while Zhejiang TV will only retain the first-run broadcast rights and can only take 20% of the profits.

Zhejiang TV must ensure that "The Voice of China" airs during prime time and has a responsibility to assist in its promotion;

If none of the conditions I mentioned are met, Qianxing Media will unconditionally compensate Lantai 2000 million yuan!

"Lu Jiuge, you're taking advantage of our misfortune!"

Zhou Jianming threw the draft on the table, his tone turning cold:

"Zhejiang TV provides the broadcast time and channels, so why should you take the lion's share?"

"I'll take all the risks; I can get the ratings to break 2, 3, even 6!"

Lu Jiuge's tone was firm:

"Director Zhou, you should be very clear about the ratings for Hunan TV's 'Super Girl'!"

"As the deputy director of the station in charge of business operations, if you don't produce outstanding results, do you think you'll have a chance for promotion?"

He took the draft and continued his analysis:

"Let's do the math. If the ratings don't meet the target, Zhejiang TV can still get a penalty fee with zero risk; if they do meet the target, they can get at least 20% profit with zero investment. It's a sure-fire way to make money!"

"As for why I get the lion's share, that's a premium for my risk and abilities!"

Zhou Jianming's expression shifted between light and dark, his fingers unconsciously stroking the tabletop.

He had to admit that Lu Jiuge's words had struck a chord with him:

If he can turn his career around with a variety show that gets over 3% viewership, even if Qianxing takes 80% of the profits, he can still easily get rid of his "vice" title.

"I need time to hold a meeting to discuss this!"

Zhou Jianming frowned, his obsession with promotion ultimately outweighing his concerns.

He looked up at Lu Jiuge, his tone turning serious:

"At most one day, I'll give you a definite answer by tomorrow afternoon."

"I'm waiting for good news from Director Zhou."

Lu Jiuge stood up and extended her hand. The two shook hands, each with their own calculations in mind.

Stepping out of the Blue Platform headquarters, Zuo Wei's heart finally settled down, and he whispered:

"Mr. Lu, there's finally hope!"

Lu Jiuge smiled, her eyes revealing unwavering certainty:

"Zhou Jianming wants a future, and we want a broadcasting platform. It's a win-win situation, and he has no reason to refuse."

……

As expected, Zhou Jianming called the following afternoon.

His tone carried a barely perceptible urgency:

"President Lu, the station's meeting has just ended, and everyone has reached a consensus. Please come and sign the contract now."

Lu Jiuge and Zuo Wei arrived at Lantai again.

This time, Zhou Jianming's attitude changed significantly. He not only greeted the two warmly but also personally went through all the procedures to complete the signing process.

Having already made his choice, Zhou Jianming didn't want any potential credit to be taken by others.

The moment the bright red official seal was stamped on the broadcast cooperation contract for "The Voice of China," a smile flashed in Lu Jiuge's eyes as she turned to Zuo Wei and said:

"Issue a statement immediately, simultaneously across the entire internet!"

After giving the instructions, Lu Jiuge's consciousness sank into the system, and a notification instantly popped up on the panel, with red numbers jumping wildly:

[The confirmation of the broadcasting platform has triggered significant emotional fluctuations within the industry!]

[Negative Faith Value +580000, Source: Hunan TV Qianjiang (Anger), Twelve Record Companies (Hatred), TV Competitors (Jealousy)]

[System Notification: The host can redeem "Comprehensive Promotion Plan for Hit Variety Shows" and "Original Song Arrangement Optimization Skill" in the shop!]

Looking at the numbers on the panel, Lu Jiuge was secretly delighted and exchanged for the system-recommended skill without hesitation.

……

As soon as Lu Jiuge and Zuo Wei left Lantai, before they even returned to the company, the entire internet was already buzzing with discussion!

#Zhejiang TV finalizes selection for The Voice of China#

#Lu Jiuge's betting agreement is too ruthless#

#Record company boycott completely failed#

The three terms instantly topped the trending search list, with netizens overwhelmingly supporting Qianxing and Zhejiang TV, and blaming the twelve record companies.

"Who said Lu Jiuge was desperate? She directly took care of Zhejiang TV; that was a brilliant move!"

"Aren't the record companies and Hunan TV ashamed? They keep banning and censoring, but the shows still air!"

"Zhejiang TV made the right bet this time; let's wait and see if 'The Voice of China' becomes a huge hit!"

Regarding program registration, the program attracted attention due to the dual allure of an original competition format and a multi-million dollar signing bonus, coupled with the major news that Zhejiang TV had confirmed its broadcast.

The registration portal was overwhelmed with traffic, with the number of registrations instantly exceeding 150 million.

Not only did countless amateur creators submit their demos overnight, but even well-known independent musicians and lyricists in the industry humbled themselves to participate, hoping for this opportunity to have their work seen across the entire internet.

At the headquarters of Yawei Records, Zhao Mingliang scrolled through the news online. Seeing the popularity of Qianxing and Lantai soaring, he angrily smashed a teacup on the table, scattering ceramic shards all over the floor.

"Damn it! That kid Lu Jiuge always manages to escape danger!"

He was panting heavily, his face ashen.

The secretary cautiously stepped forward and suggested in a low voice:

"Mr. Zhao, should we contact Hunan TV again and think of another way?"

Zhao Mingliang slumped into his chair and waved his hand dismissively:

"It's too late. Zhejiang TV has already made it official, and the management has definitely reached an agreement. Hunan TV's pressure is useless!"

He looked out the window, his eyes filled with resentment:

"This time, we really can't stop him..."

……

In contrast, in the chairman's office of Tianyu Media, Qian Jiang smashed the latest mobile phone to the ground, shattering the screen into pieces, just like his face at that moment.

"A bunch of useless idiots! They can't even handle a basic broadcasting station like Zhejiang TV!"

He pointed at his subordinate's nose and cursed angrily, his chest heaving violently:

"Zhou Jianming wants to take the deputy title, Lantai wants to step on us to rise to the top, and Lu Jiuge wants to cause trouble. Do they really think Tianyu Media is a pushover?"

His subordinates shrank back, not daring to utter a sound.

Qian Jiang, panting heavily, a ruthless glint in his eyes, said in a sinister tone:

"So Zhejiang TV signed you? The show's about to air? I'll make sure they can't even get all the contestants together!"