Huayu96: My Thirty Years of a Prodigal Son

After listening, Liu Huan and the other two all frowned slightly.

Copyright is an absolutely essential tool for record companies to control singers.

Almost no major company would be willing to give up the copyright of a singer.

This single condition alone is enough to deter most companies from vying for it.

Liu Huan and Mao Amin exchanged a glance.

The two wanted to offer advice, but they remembered that Qin Sheng had already made his stance clear beforehand.

I won't let go.

My thought at the time was that the young man was arrogant and ignorant, and after running into obstacles in the industry, he would gradually learn to compromise.

As it turned out, they didn't run into any obstacles.

Instead of hitting a wall, it soared to new heights.

However, after pondering it for a moment, Liu Huan realized something.

To be honest, the initiative is no longer in the hands of the record company, but in Qin Sheng's hands.

The movie "Too Softhearted" is incredibly popular right now!

Even without copyright, just signing a deal with Qin Sheng for the distribution rights to the album "Too Softhearted" would be enough to make a fortune.

It's worth noting that "Too Softhearted" is currently only a hit in mainland China.

First, the price of cassette tapes was low in mainland China; second, piracy was rampant.

Actually, you can't make much money just by selling genuine products.

But genuine cassette tapes and CDs in Hong Kong and Taiwan are expensive!

Several tens or even over a hundred!

"Too Softhearted" hasn't been distributed there yet.

If you can establish a presence there, the profits can be quite substantial.

Moreover, the biggest profit margin hasn't even been calculated yet!

That's the revenue from commercial performances!

Given the immense popularity of "Too Softhearted," a conservative estimate puts the commercial performance revenue at over five million!

If things go well, tens of millions are definitely achievable!

If we can sign Qin Sheng to a record deal and a commercial performance agency contract for this album, we can definitely make several million in profit sharing, if not a lot.

In 1996, even for a large record company, this was definitely a profit that could not be ignored.

Therefore, Qin Sheng is not afraid that no one will sign this anti-tyranny clause with him.

After a moment's thought, Liu Huan smiled and said, "Ah Sheng, I'll spread the word about your terms and let the companies consider them themselves."

I'll also ask Sony for their opinion when I get back.

"If possible, haha, I'd still be very willing to be your fellow disciple."

Mao Amin and Na Ying also expressed their willingness to help Qin Sheng spread the news and inquire about their own companies.

After finishing our business, the meeting ended.

Qin Sheng wasn't in a hurry; he went home and waited patiently for someone willing to take the bait.

Three days later, the message came back.

Contrary to Liu Huan and others' expectations, but as Qin Sheng had anticipated, quite a few companies were willing to agree to Qin Sheng's copyright requirements.

At least several well-known companies, including Sony Music, Red Star Music, Jingwen Records, Wheatfield Music, and Zhengda International, have agreed.

However, since Qin Sheng hasn't specified how much commission he wants or how the commercial performance agency contract will be signed, everyone wants to meet with him in person to discuss it.

Finally, through Liu Huan's mediation, Qin Sheng decided to talk to Sony first.

Firstly, because Sony is also quite strong.

Secondly, since Zeng Li is signed with Sony, it would be a good thing if he could take care of her closely.

So they arranged to meet at Sony at 3 p.m. to talk in person.

Soon, they arrived at Sony Corporation.

My old friend Chen Heping received me.

Upon meeting, Chen Heping warmly embraced Qin Sheng and said with a smile:

"Ah Sheng, you made me misjudge you!"

Back then, you stood quietly behind Zeng Li, without revealing at all that you could write and sing, so I really didn't think much of it.

"If I had known you were this capable, I would have signed you no matter what!"

Qin Sheng smiled but didn't say anything.

Back then, I hadn't proven my abilities yet. If I had told the other party that I wanted all the copyrights to my work, there would have been no way they would have agreed.

That's why I don't mention it myself.

Now that I have achievements to back me up, everything is negotiable, isn't it?

After they were seated, tea was served, and a few pleasantries were exchanged, Chen Heping carefully began to speak:

"Ah Sheng, I've talked to headquarters about the record deal, and I've also communicated with Lao Liu."

If you can continue to handle all aspects of the songwriting, composition, and arrangement, then I can offer you a maximum of 25% of the revenue. I think this offer really demonstrates Sony's sincerity.

Upon hearing this, Qin Sheng smiled and said, "President Chen, if that's the case, why shouldn't I continue looking for Xingdie?"

I can produce the songs myself; it won't cost much.

After it's finished, I'll send it to Star Butterfly for direct distribution, and I'll get 60% of the revenue.

Compared to your share, that's far more generous.

Chen Heping laughed and said, "Ah Sheng, we insiders won't talk like laymen."

You should know about Star Butterfly's distribution channels; they're not bad, but only not bad.

It is far from comparable to Sony's distribution channels that cover the entire country and even the world.

As for his publicity channels, well, to put it bluntly, they're practically nonexistent.

So, Ah Sheng, now that you've signed with Sony, your albums can not only fill the mainland market, but also Hong Kong, Taiwan, and even Southeast Asia and the world!

Sony has the capability!

Moreover, with Sony's promotional resources, to put it bluntly, if we wanted to, we could put you in front of millions of households overnight.

These are all strengths that Star Butterfly lacks.

Qin Sheng smiled and said, "Mr. Chen, you are right. So, for the sake of Sony's strong marketing, I can make another concession."

"Forty percent, I only want forty percent of the profits."

After hearing Qin Sheng's conditions, Chen Heping gave a wry smile.

"Ah Sheng, twenty-five is really not low."

You should know that even a top-tier diva like Wang Fei only gets 25% of the revenue.

Qin Sheng immediately replied, "But Wang Fei can't handle the lyrics, music, and arrangement all by himself, can he?"

Compared to her, my album production was undoubtedly much simpler.

Chen Heping immediately replied, "But Wang Fei won't want the copyright to her work either. Ah Sheng, there's always a balance between giving and receiving."

Qin Sheng nodded again.

Just when Chen Heping thought Qin Sheng was about to give in, Qin Sheng stood up and said:

"Mr. Chen, it seems we can't reach an agreement for now. Let me hear some quotes from other companies."

If I don't receive better terms, I will contact you again.

Chen Heping was taken aback.

He then sighed inwardly.

I never imagined that I, the director of Sony Music, would one day lose control when signing singers!

However, the initiative in this negotiation undoubtedly lies in Qin Sheng's hands.

He can handle all aspects of songwriting, composition, and arrangement, which minimizes the company's need for him.

What he lacks is simply publicity and distribution.

However, if Sony can provide these two, the other companies can certainly provide them as well, and they won't be much worse than Sony's.

I don't really have any unique advantages.

After thinking it over, Chen Heping decided to postpone the negotiations and try to appeal to people's emotions.

Chen Heping stood up with a smile and said, "By the way, Asheng, speaking of which, your girlfriend Zeng Li is also at Sony now. It seems you haven't come to the company to see her yet, have you?"

Since we have some free time today, let's go take a look together. That way, I can put your mind at ease; we're taking good care of Zeng Li at Sony.