New Century Anime Warrior

Debut.

This word is very interesting.

It's not entirely a loanword, as it originated from Buddhist terminology, meaning liberation from the suffering of the six realms of reincarnation.

In the 1960s, the Japanese entertainment industry borrowed the French word "Début" (meaning debut) to establish a professional rule for artists: "the release of their first record is the standard."

Later, through the cultural trends of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, the new meaning of "debut" was transmitted back to the mainland... Just like words such as "republic" and "democracy," it was an export that was then re-imported into the domestic market.

However, no matter what, debuting means becoming a professional artist, which conflicts with Si Hua's career plan.

In his mind, Lin Lin was just an ordinary girl from an ordinary family. She would probably be like other girls in the humanities class, and after getting into university, she would study a humanities major that might not be related to the entertainment industry...

Inviting her to lend her voice to his songs would give her a cross-disciplinary resume and also serve as an entry ticket.

When she faces misfortune in the future—or rather, when life requires her to change, she'll have a chance to make a glamorous comeback.

He has a bit too much of a fatherly vibe.

However, from the perspective of a person who is middle-aged, this is just a very normal way of thinking.

However, there is another "however".

One's own arrogance can never overcome the arrogance of the world.

Who the hell would have thought Lin Lin was a rich, beautiful, and successful woman?!

She's also a wealthy and beautiful woman who can be considered a valuable asset in the entertainment industry.

This sudden change in setting somewhat disrupted Si Hua's rhythm.

One second I was thinking about how to use advanced internet thinking to spread labels quickly.

For example, posting quick-cut videos of hand-drawn mecha designs on Bilibili, or recording their creative diaries on Weibo, while secretly adding their own original music.

Yes, it's the instrumental version of "Throw the Years and Far Away," and it has to be a rough, incomplete electronic analog version.

Shouldn't this be what high school students' self-entertainment products look like?

The main focus is on authenticity.

This sparked netizens' anticipation for Si Hua's independent production of personal animation, which was the prelude to the heated discussion among talented individuals.

In terms of the soundtrack, the hope is to attract the attention of some music lovers and professionals, thereby gaining an opportunity to enter the entertainment industry and build up fame for the release of "Voices of a Distant Star".

After all, it's a music video being produced, so the quality, reputation, and reach of the title track are also significant factors.

Si Hua was actually quite satisfied with this elaborate setup.

But now it seems...

"It seems Si Hua really has a talent for public relations!"

"what?"

Si Hua was taken aback by the words of the plump woman in front of him. This was Pan Lei, the agent representative that Lin Lin had mentioned.

"The logical chain of information dissemination is very clear, which not only highlights the authenticity of the independent creator's persona, but also inadvertently lays the groundwork for promoting the work..."

Ms. Pan admired the three-view drawing of the sci-fi mecha in her hand. As someone from the GG family, she could appreciate the value of this purely hand-drawn piece.

At the same time, I was impressed by Si Hua's brief description of the publicity plan.

Although more operational details are unclear, one can still understand the boldness and pragmatism of this plan.

Especially after learning a lot of information from Lin Lin in advance, Si Hua seemed even more extraordinary.

Are all high school students these days monsters?

"Ms. Pan, you flatter me. You are the real professional." Si Hua shook his head slightly, as was his habitual politeness.

Pan Lei laughed heartily, "No need to be so old-fashioned, young man should have some energy."

After saying that, he deliberately glanced at Lin Lin, who was sitting obediently on a plate. At that moment, she was quiet like a lady.

"You are Linlin's classmate and also Ayin's student. Just call me Aunt Lei like they do. There's no need to be so formal."

Si Hua readily complied, "Then I won't stand on ceremony, Aunt Lei."

Pan Lei was even more pleased with this generous and outgoing boy.

"Based on the plan you just mentioned, Andy, if I'm not mistaken, you probably don't really want to debut?"

Si Hua inwardly pursed his lips. Being called "Hua Zai" by someone in Zhong Deng's mindset was somewhat awkward.

But let's just call him Andy Lau. He sounds handsome and has a great personality. It's better than calling him Little Hua or Little Si.

"Little Fourth"? "Little Servant"? These don't seem like very pleasant terms.

"Yes, I prefer to be a creator, after all, I'm a bit socially awkward."

"Social anxiety?" This was the first time anyone had heard this somewhat strange term.

"It's short for social phobia, a mental illness term used in the United States."

Si Hua smiled and showed off his knowledge, "But I think it's a good description of my introversion, and I often use it to make fun of myself."

At least everyone managed to keep their composure and subtly rolled their eyes.

With your overly formal tone, you call yourself introverted?

However, as an industry insider, Pan Lei was still surprised by Si Hua's keen eye for language; in a few years, this will be called the ability to create memes.

A natural content creator.

Appreciation level Lv UP.

"Since Andy Lau doesn't want to debut, then forget it..."

"Liar!" Before Pan Lei could finish speaking, Lin Lin couldn't sit still any longer. "Didn't we agree to form a group? You would write the lyrics and I would sing!"

No, buddy, the premise of us forming a group is that we're both ordinary people.

We'll just form a casual music group, something for hobbyists, and sing whatever comes to mind.

So you went straight for the intensity, asking us to bring out professional gamers...

I've never thought about becoming a star!

Si Hua was heartbroken. How could anyone stand being called a liar for no reason?

"How could this be a scam? You didn't remember a single detail of your conversation with Aunt Lei just now?"

"I'm just not selling the rights to the theme song for 'Voices of a Distant Star,' it's not like I'm refusing to let you sing it!"

"You're still my designated official original singer! I'm even going to write that into your commercial licensing agreement."

We do not sell copyrights, only license commercial use.

This is Si Hua's solution.

After all, "Throw the Years and Far Away" is the theme song for "Voices of a Distant Star," so it's impossible to sell the copyright to a singer or music company like a typical commercial song.

Copyright sharing is also inappropriate.

Because it didn't involve copyright sales but rather commercial performance licensing, the direction of my negotiations with Pan Lei was different from the beginning.

Logically, in Si Hua's case, he should have invited Lin Lin to sing the theme song as the animation production company, and should have been paid a performance fee.

But Si Hua was a poor scholar who truly didn't have a single penny.

So all those grand promises made to Lin Lin earlier, like recommending the original singer and forming a fan group, were essentially just an exchange of benefits using the performance rights of the songs.

But to their surprise, the other party didn't take the bait. Being an entertainment capital firm, they immediately launched a devastating attack.

I have absolutely no use for these pie-in-the-sky promises.

Fortunately, the class beauty is kind-hearted and made it clear that she wouldn't accept any payment for her appearance; it was just a guest appearance...

She even insisted on signing a commercial licensing agreement with Si Hua, partly to secure priority for the commercial performance rights of the theme song of "Voices of a Star".

On the other hand, he also wanted to establish his status as the official original singer of the anime's theme song through a contract.

Even so, she still has to give money to Si Hua!

What a kind person.

So after reaching a preliminary cooperation agreement, Pan Lei extended the conversation to follow-up matters such as song promotion and professional debut.

Out of consideration for the licensing fee, Si Hua briefly outlined his original theme song promotion plan and also politely declined Lin Lin's invitation to debut as a group.

I never expected her to hold such a grudge about it.

A musical combination of songwriters and singers?

This is perhaps a common pattern in fan music and underground bands.

However, such combinations are actually quite rare in commercial music due to the distribution of profits.

"In short, Aunt Lei and Lin Lin, it was a pleasure working together."

I don't intend to explain too much; a girl like Lin Lin from a privileged background will surely figure it out.

Si Hua stood up. He had gained so much today that it would take him a long time to process it all.

"It's been a pleasure working with you, Andy Lau." Pan Lei concluded the negotiations.

"Hmph!" Lin Lin left an impression on this cooperation negotiation.

Everyone benefits; it's a win-win-win situation!