My absurd experiences in North America over the years

Scott Pochetti's breath caught in his throat for a moment.

Ten million US dollars.

This number hit him like a bomb, precisely striking the most rational nerve in his brain.

He instinctively wanted to nod, but his instincts honed over years of working in the music industry made him abruptly stop.

He picked up the coffee cup on the table, using this action to conceal the turmoil in his heart.

The coffee had long since gone cold, but the bitter taste spreading on his tongue only made him more awake.

“Mr. Li, this number is indeed very tempting,” Scott put down his glass, forcing a troubled smile, “but Big Machine Records is my child. I personally transformed it from a blank sheet of paper into what it is today. I need to… consider it.”

He deliberately emphasized the word "consider," his gaze shifting between Li Fu and Lucy, trying to glean more information from their expressions.

Li Fu smiled slightly, as if he had expected this answer.

"Of course, such a big decision does require time to consider," he stood up and straightened his suit jacket. "But Mr. Scott, opportunities are often fleeting."

Lucy also stood up, her expression much colder than Li Fu's. She simply nodded politely, "We look forward to your reply."

After the two left, Scott slumped into his chair, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table.

Ten million US dollars.

That number was constantly on his mind.

He knew better than anyone the actual value of Big Machine Records.

With less than 500,000 yuan in cash on hand and nearly 1 million yuan owed to recording studios and promotional channels, the album sales of the two signed artists were good, but there was still a long way to go before they could break even.

The only thing that gave him hope was Taylor Swift.

The girl who wrote "Tim McGraw" at the age of sixteen has an amazing creative talent.

Her debut album steadily climbed the country music charts, and radio airplay increased weekly.

But all of this is just potential.

In the eyes of businessmen, potential is far less tangible than real money.

Scott picked up the phone and dialed his lawyer's number.

"Keep an eye on what big moves the Forrest family's venture capital arm has made lately."

He needs to know whether this ten million is the other party's trump card.

However, the news he received in the following days plunged him into despair.

The lawyer called early the next morning.

"Scott, I just received news that Li Fu's investment company contacted the Nashville offices of Universal Music and Sony Music this morning."

Scott nearly dropped his coffee cup. "What?"

"They seem to be in contact with other independent record labels, including Nashville Records and Country Star Records," the lawyer said, his voice tinged with tension. "I've heard they're already in talks about acquisitions."

Scott suddenly stood up, his chair sliding back half a meter with a screeching sound.

"Damn it," he thought he had the upper hand and could slowly raise the price, or even get the other party to make concessions on the shareholding structure.

But now it seems that the other party doesn't care about him at all.

Or rather, what the other party cares about is simply owning an independent record label.

Whether it's Big Machine Records or Country Stars.

Either one is fine.

It's much easier for them to promote a singer than to promote one themselves.

This realization was like a bucket of cold water poured over me, from head to toe.

Scott paced back and forth in his office, his mind racing.

If Li Fu really acquires a mature record company from Universal Music or other major labels, then Big Machine Records' value will be greatly reduced.

More importantly, although Taylor Swift signed with Big Machine, the contract included clauses protecting the artist. If the company performs poorly, she has the right to terminate the contract under certain conditions.

Once Taylor Swift leaves, Big Machine Records' so-called potential will really be nothing.

Scott picked up the phone, his finger hovered over the keys for a few seconds, and finally dialed the number.

"Mr. Li, I am Scott Pochettia."

A calm voice came from the other end of the phone, "Mr. Scott, have you made up your mind?"

"I think we can talk again," Scott said, trying to sound less urgent. "I have some ideas about the acquisition plan..."

"We'll talk in person at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Forrest Building," Li Fu said firmly.

Scott hung up the phone, let out a long sigh, and slumped into his chair.

He knew that in this game, he had no choice but to back down.

Whoever holds the capital has more choices.

The next morning, Scott arrived on time in the conference room of Forrest Building.

This high-rise building in downtown Nashville stands in stark contrast to his cramped office.

The city skyline is visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and sunlight streams through the glass onto the gleaming mahogany table.

Li Fu and Lucy were already seated on the other side of the conference table, next to a lawyer in a suit.

"Please sit down," Li Fu gestured.

Scott sat down, took a document from his briefcase, and pushed it to the center of the table.

"This is the framework of the acquisition plan that my lawyers have drafted," he said bluntly. "I can accept the acquisition, but there are three conditions."

Li Fu picked up the document, quickly glanced through it, and a smile appeared on his lips.

"First, your investment company cannot hold more than 80% of the shares, and I and other shareholders will retain 20% of the shares. This is to protect the rights and interests of me and other shareholders."

Scott looked at Li Fu with some unease.

He didn't know if the other party would agree.

"What's the next condition?" Li Fu remained noncommittal.

"I will retain control of the company for the next ten years. That's the bottom line. I'm really not comfortable handing it over to someone else right now," Scott said firmly.

It's clear that operating rights are indeed his bottom line.

Operational rights include decisions regarding artist signing, album production and distribution, as well as the company's daily management.

To be honest, Li Fu didn't want any operating rights.

He had no relevant experience in music, nor in the Forrest family business.

"I can give you the operational rights, but major decisions, such as changing core artists, require my consent."

He has to ensure Taylor Swift will remain with Big Machine Records in the future, otherwise his acquisition would be meaningless.

Scott hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded.

"And the last one?" Li Fu asked.

"You cannot sell your shares within the next ten years. If there are any special circumstances, you need to inform me in advance," Scott made his final request.

One of the key reasons he was willing to be acquired was that the Forrest family initiated the acquisition.

In Nashville and Tennessee, the Forrest surname carries immense prestige, which is beneficial for the company's future development.

If it gets sold, then it's pointless.

"I can promise that, but there's one thing I must make clear..." Lucy said at that moment.

"Please speak," Scott listened patiently.

"Of the ten million dollars acquired, three million must be retained as company operating funds for Taylor's album production and promotion over the next two years," Lucy said seriously.

Scott did some mental calculations: seven million in cash plus three million in operating funds—this was slightly lower than he had expected.

But considering that they have already contacted other record companies, this is the best possible outcome.

Furthermore, if the equity structure is agreed upon...

He also benefited from the three million in operating funds.

"So, do you agree to the proposed equity structure?" Scott was still somewhat worried.

This may be the only area where the two sides have not yet reached a consensus.

Lucy looked at Li Fu. She was only representing the Forrest family at the event, and he would have to tell her the specific details.

Li Fu had already prepared himself for a showdown with Scott, especially regarding the three million dollars in operating funds.

He didn't expect the other party to agree.

It's clear that contacting other record labels has been a major distraction for Scott; he does need funding right now, and he seems to value operational control more.

In addition, Scott needed to be given some shares regardless, to incentivize him to work harder.

After a brief consideration, Li Fu decided to agree.

Of course, he didn't pursue the matter further mainly because he didn't want to complicate things over a million or two dollars and some other trivial matters.

This amount of money is negligible compared to Taylor Swift's later music copyright payments.

"OK, I accept your offer," he said, standing up to shake hands with Scott.

The signing process went smoothly.

The detailed terms of the contract have been reviewed by professional lawyers.

About half an hour later, Scott walked out of the Forrest Building, clutching the seven million dollar check in his hand, feeling like he was floating on air.

He glanced back at the tall building, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Big Machine Records, the company he founded, now owns less than 20 percent of it.

But from another perspective, he not only got more money than he could ever earn in his lifetime, but also kept the operating rights, allowing him to continue doing what he loves.

This deal looks like a win-win situation no matter how you look at it.

Of course, if he knew he could sell it for at least $3 million in the future, that would be a different story.

Li Fuzheng stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the bustling streets of Nashville, and breathed a sigh of relief.

The acquisition price was undoubtedly a premium.

But that premium is negligible compared to its future value.

The greatest success would be to make the acquisition a success.

"Are you really planning to hand over the entire operation to him?" Lucy asked, standing behind him, somewhat puzzled.

"Scott is an excellent record company manager," Li Fu turned around, "and he will run Big Machine Records very well for at least the next ten years."

These past lives have all been proven.

"How can you be so accurate, down to ten years?" Lucy asked, puzzled.

Li Fu smiled but did not answer.

Because he's a time traveler!

In fact, in less than ten years, Taylor Swift will become the world's top pop diva, and the value of her Big Machine Records will increase dozens or even hundreds of times.

If they had continued to hold Taylor Swift's signing rights at that time...

Its value is immeasurable.

"I think you should get to know that newcomer, Taylor," Li Fu said, turning to look at Lucy.

Taylor Swift is someone who values ​​friendship very much.

At least that's what he knew from his past life—that he had the potential to go to great lengths for his best friend.

If they establish an unbreakable friendship, Lucy would certainly be happy to use her influence to help her if she were to enter politics in the future.

"I'll go see him if I get the chance," Lucy shrugged.

Although it's unclear why Li Fu highly values ​​this newcomer, helping him grow and rise quickly is also helping Li Fu's investment to yield results rapidly.

She was happy to do it.

"Take her to more high-end business or fashion events to increase her visibility," Li Fu said, putting his arm around Lucy's shoulder. "If she soars to great heights soon, we will both benefit greatly."

Lucy herself has a strong interest in country music, and the more Li Fu said that, the more curious she became about Taylor Swift.

How could he be so sure that this newcomer would become a superstar?

"By the way, what percentage of your family's assets are currently in the real estate sector?"

Li Fu felt it was time to sell off those non-performing assets.

Lucy paused, a hint of confusion in her eyes. "You mean the commercial and residential projects in the family trust? They probably... account for less than ten percent of the total assets!"

She was somewhat surprised, as he had never brought up this topic with her before.

Li Fu did not answer directly, but instead took out a thick document that had been prepared in advance and had no markings on the cover from his desk drawer and handed it over.

"Take a look at this."

Lucy took the document, turned to the first page, and her previously nonchalant expression instantly froze.

"Subprime mortgage default rates surge... Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two largest real estate companies in the U.S., are suspected of falsifying their financial statements... The countdown to the bursting of the housing bubble has begun..."

She quickly browsed through the contents, her brows furrowing deeper and deeper, until she saw the shocking data models and fund flow charts, at which point she couldn't help but gasp.

"Are these figures accurate?"

"Of course, all of this information was obtained from publicly available government channels," Li Fu said in a chillingly calm voice. "Believe me, the entire market will collapse in about a year at most."

Lucy's heart began to pound.

As the eldest daughter of the Forrest family, although she had not directly participated in core decision-making before, she knew that if the data in this report was true, then all the projects she had handled would have to be taken off the hook.

"We can't hesitate any longer, Lucy," Li Fu said, looking directly into her eyes. "Once the financial crisis hits, all those projects will become liabilities, and we'll have to sell them off cheaply, or even at rock-bottom prices, no one will be willing to take them. Now is the best time to act."

Lucy's fingers turned white from gripping the document tightly. She knew the seriousness of the matter, but it was something far beyond her control.

Even her brother Cole couldn't do it.

"I'm going to find Cole now," she said, standing up and grabbing her handbag, her eyes more serious than ever before.

She had just turned around when she suddenly turned back and grabbed Li Fu.

"Come with me."

There's no problem with her handing the report to Cole.

The detailed data above is not difficult to verify, and some of the reasoning can be understood even without a deep understanding of economics.

Cole is a business school graduate, so it's clear he's not exaggerating.

The main reason Lucy dragged Li Fu along was that she wanted her brother to realize just how outstanding her crush was.