novelslam Chapter 72 Trade Secrets
Chapter 72 Trade Secrets
That afternoon, Lin Feng and Su Wan went to Xunji Audio Company together.
In the reception room, Manager Zhang personally brewed tea to welcome Lin Feng and his group.
"Manager Zhang, I've brought you another potential hit song. It's called 'Mice Love Rice,' and I believe it will surpass the popularity of 'Lilac Flower' in the future!"
"Oh?" Manager Zhang's eyes lit up. If a newcomer had told him this, he wouldn't have believed it at all.
But he believed Lin Feng's words. Recently, the ringtone data report for "Lilac Flower" has been very impressive, and it has become the number one ringtone song in terms of downloads signed by XunJie Music.
"Mr. Lin, did you bring the audio for the new song? I'd like to listen to it."
"I brought it." Lin Feng took out his laptop from his bag and turned on the audio player.
When the intro started, Manager Zhang leaned forward slightly. After the song, which lasted for more than three minutes, finished, he remained silent for a few seconds.
"This song... is on a completely different track from 'Lilac Flower'."
"Yes. 'Lilac Flower' has a slightly melancholic feel. The melody is simple, the lyrics are straightforward, and it's easy to sing along to."
"The song is great, we'll sign it with Xunji Music!" This time, Manager Zhang didn't hesitate at all and immediately signed the song.
"Mr. Lin, what are your conditions?" Manager Zhang's heart pounded. Last time, because he wasn't sure about the market prospects of "Lilac," he didn't sign the contract immediately, which led to Lin Feng's increasingly higher offers during later negotiations. In the end, he was forced to agree to the high-priced contract. So this time, he asked about the conditions from the very beginning.
"Just like 'Lilac Flower'," Lin Feng said confidently.
Manager Zhang smiled, confirming his suspicions: "President Lin, this ratio is unique among new singers. It's only because 'Lilac Flower' became a hit that the higher-ups were willing to give it to us."
"This new song will definitely be a hit," Lin Feng said confidently.
"So confident?"
"Of course. I won't buy the rights to a song that isn't going to be a future hit. Don't worry, the songs I recommend to you are all carefully selected by me."
Lin Feng continued, "You guys promote it online, and we'll do the campus promotion. Let's work together to make this song a hit."
"Just like when Tang Lei came to Xichuan University of Technology last time, we plan to hold a 'Campus Folk Song Season' with several performances in a row, focusing on the songs 'Lilac Flower' and 'Mice Love Rice'."
Su Wan then added, "Manager Zhang, we can handle the event planning, venue coordination, and on-site execution. However, we need to set up a ringback tone download experience area on-site, which requires equipment and manpower. We lack both manpower and equipment."
Lin Feng turned to look at Su Wan: "Don't worry, Manager Zhang will definitely provide us with the best manpower and equipment."
Manager Zhang immediately burst out laughing.
"President Lin, you've arranged everything for me..."
All three of them laughed.
"Okay! No problem, I'll do whatever President Lin says."
Manager Zhang rubbed his hands together: "Then it's settled. The revenue sharing remains the same, and we'll provide the equipment and on-site personnel for the campus activities. I'll have my legal department draft the contract, and I can give it to you tomorrow."
"Thank you, Manager Zhang," Lin Feng said.
"Don't thank me yet." Manager Zhang looked at Lin Feng. "Mr. Lin, may I ask you another question? How do you determine which song will become a hit?"
Lin Feng smiled. Of course, he couldn't reveal the prophet's secret to the other party: "It's a trade secret! I have a natural business acumen. In short, let's cooperate for mutual benefit and make money together!"
Manager Zhang laughed heartily: "Great! Let's cooperate for mutual benefit and make money together!"
Lin Feng remembered something else: "Oh right, I want to do a 'Campus Original Musician Support Program'. Simply put, it's about finding promising student singers in universities, signing their songs, and helping them with production and promotion."
I'll handle the initial sourcing and incubation, you guys handle the ringback tone channels. Let's create a system, instead of trying to find songs one by one.
Manager Zhang became interested upon hearing this.
"This idea is interesting. But it must require a significant investment, right? Production, promotion, and signing contracts all cost money."
"So it's 'support'. We can use a revenue-sharing model, where we cover the initial investment and share the profits later. For singers, there's no risk, they get exposure, and they get paid. For us, it means we can connect with a group of promising content sources. For you, it means a stable supply of new songs."
Manager Zhang asked, "That sounds good. But there are many difficulties in execution. How do we select the right people? How do we determine which song will be a hit? What if the initial investment goes down the drain?"
"That's why we need to take it slow and test the waters first," Lin Feng said. "We'll start with universities in Chengdu, on a small scale. If it works well, then we'll expand."
Manager Zhang hesitated for a moment before giving his opinion.
"I need to report this to my superiors. But Mr. Lin, if you really want to do it, I can put in a good word for you. But whether it works out or not depends on what they think."
"Then I'll have to trouble Manager Zhang." Lin Feng stood up. "Whether it works out or not, thank you very much!"
"You're too kind." Manager Zhang also stood up and shook hands with Lin Feng. "I'll have someone deliver the 'Mice Love Rice' contract tomorrow. As for the equipment and personnel, you should decide on the time and place and notify me three days in advance so I can make the arrangements."
"it is good."
Leaving the XunJie Audio Building, the sunlight outside was a bit dazzling.
Su Wan followed Lin Feng down the steps before speaking, "Manager Zhang's last question is one I also wanted to ask. If we really do implement a 'support plan,' where will we get the money to invest?"
Lin Feng explained, "In the early stages, we need to take small, quick steps. We'll sign revenue-sharing agreements first, not management contracts. We'll invest in production and promotion, while the singers will invest in their work. Revenue will be split proportionally. This way, our risk is manageable, and the singers' enthusiasm is high."
"Then how do we select people?"
"Rely on your eyes and ears. The Digital Music Club is the best platform. There are so many universities in Chengdu, and there are many talented students, but they lack opportunities."
Su Wan thought for a moment and said, "That makes sense. That's how Tang Lei came about."
"Yes." Lin Feng glanced at the time. "Let's go back first. We still have a lot of things to do at school."
The two hailed a taxi, and Su Wan suddenly said, "President, have you noticed that Manager Zhang is unusually easy to talk to today?"
Lin Feng laughed and said, "The data for 'Lilac Flower' is there for all to see; he can't just say anything."
"What if... I mean, what if 'Mice Love Rice' didn't become a success?"
"Then there won't be a next time." Lin Feng said bluntly, "In business, it's always the market results that matter. If we mess this up, forget about the 32% cut, we might not even be willing to see him next time."
"By the way, club president, when are you planning to invite Yang Chengang to sing at school?"
"That depends on Shen Jingyi's music festival schedule. My plan is next week. However, I intend for him to come over as soon as possible, get used to Chengdu, and rehearse a few times. Once XunJie is online, we'll start the first show."
The two returned to the second floor of the startup incubation center, where the office door was open.
Xu Qiang looked up. "Brother Feng, Su Wan, you're back. How did the talks go?"
Su Wan gave an OK sign: "With the club president involved, it'll be a breeze!"
Xu Qiang gave the two of them a thumbs up: "So when do we start?"
"Once the contract is signed tomorrow, we'll start immediately!"
That evening, Lin Feng spoke on the phone with Yang Chengang, who was in Jiangcheng. Yang Chengang agreed to come to Chengdu early the following week.
The next day, Shen Jingyi submitted the "Digital Music Club Spring Activity Plan." After reviewing it, Lin Feng made some adjustments and planned to officially launch the plan the following week.