Xiaozheng Zheng

"Feel free to reveal everything. We're open and willing to discuss terms. If it falls within our scope, we're committed to making every effort to accommodate your requests," On the other end, Xiaozhang indicated to Miaoyi that the time was right for her to outline her conditions.

Sensing the sincerity in Xiaozhang's voice, Miaoyi opted for directness as well. After a brief pause, she cut to the chase, "Before I proceed with my conditions, I need some clarity. Has Riot Games finalized the lineup for the upcoming K/DA project? Are any decisions or arrangements already in motion?"

"Arrangements?" Xiaozhang's response carried a momentary pause, suggesting he was either contemplating the question or seeking information. After approximately ten seconds, he resumed, "To my knowledge, no official roster has been announced. However, Riot Games might be in the process of considering specific candidates."

"Perfect, that simplifies things." Miaoyi's excitement was evident in her raised eyebrows as she continued, "My condition is quite simple, actually. Since I'm the chief planner for this project, can I take full responsibility for all matters concerning this virtual girl group? If that's the case, I'll have the authority to decide on and arrange the detailed members. Are there any issues on your end? I need absolute synergy and alignment with the team to elevate the project to its best potential."

"You making all the decisions and arrangements?" Xiaozhang seemed taken aback at first, not reacting immediately. After a moment's pause, he carefully reviewed Miaoyi's words and then nodded with determination. "This might be possible. I have the authority to agree to this matter, so I can delegate it to you entirely."

"Whoa, diving into the deep end, are we?" Xiaozhang's response was unexpectedly light-hearted, surprising Miaoyi. She had anticipated more resistance, considering the complexity of this project's establishment and the member arrangement involved.

Xiaozhang grinned, his eyes sparkling with wit. "The soul of a project like this lies in the producer – that's you. Members? Oh, they're a dime a dozen, take Korea as an example. New Idols are born every second, but a producer? Not so interchangeable. If you were to bail, our agency's grand plan would hit snooze for another three years. Trust me, that's a math problem anyone can solve."

Xiaozhang continued, "Apart from this, any other conditions you'd like to address?"

"I have one final request. If you agree, I'm fully on board; otherwise, we can consider parting ways." Miaoyi pressed on, her confidence growing as she navigated the negotiations. "Regarding the final composition of the song, I understand that you would possess all the copyrights and naming rights. I respect that industry standard. However, I must retain the right to perform the single."

"Please elaborate," Xiaozhang encouraged Miaoyi to continue.

Seizing the opportunity, Miaoyi elaborated, "In simple terms, for the upcoming single, I want the green light to perform it live wherever I please. You know, gigs, shows, the whole shebang. This is non-negotiable. If I create something, I want the liberty to showcase it."

"That poses no problem. You have my assurance." Xiaozhang's response carried a hint of relief.

He had anticipated a more substantial demand, bracing himself for Miaoyi to introduce a challenging condition. Yet, it turned out to be a relatively straightforward request.

It was indeed a non-issue. Given that Miaoyi now had control over member arrangements, a pivotal aspect, granting her performance rights seemed entirely reasonable and justifiable.

With this, TMY's side of the "K/DA Project" negotiations were mostly settled.

Xiaozhang had accomplished his mission and could report back with positive outcomes. Miaoyi's unwavering stance was a welcome surprise, bringing a twist to the negotiations.

As the cooperative matters neared resolution, Miaoyi's tone softened. No longer as tense as during the negotiation, she asked, "By the way, where is Riot Games' branch located in China?"

"Riot's branch in China?" Xiaozhang, seated in his office on the other end of the phone, was momentarily surprised by this question. He blinked a few times and then answered, "Riot... doesn't have an official branch in China. The League of Legends game has always been fully managed by Tencent Holdings in the entire China region. They handle everything, and besides, Riot Games is actually a subsidiary of Tencent. It was acquired like that, so Riot doesn't have a separate branch in China."

"Making an entire game with a meagre salary, but can't even afford an office after being successful? What's the point?" Miaoyi suddenly muttered these words for some unknown reason.

"...."

The majestic and lofty image of the teacher, TMY, seemed to shake a bit all of a sudden.

"Cough... why are you asking me about this?"

"Never mind that." Miaoyi replied, instantly switching back to a ladylike and gentle tone of speech. "Sorry, that wasn't me just now. So, since Riot doesn't have a branch in China, is your Bilibili headquarters in Shanghai?"

Upon hearing this question, Xiaozhang wasn't particularly surprised and simply nodded, "Indeed, it's in the Magic City."

The fact that Bilibili's headquarters was located in the Magic City wasn't a secret. Miaoyi's train of thought, however, was a bit mysterious. She suddenly said, "In that case, I'll keep this folder of contracts for now. I'll personally go to Bilibili's headquarters to sign the contract with you. How about that? We don't have to wait long. After I finish participating in the Ultra Electronic Music Festival in the Imperial City, I'll head back."

Indeed, as Miaoyi had said, it seemed that she couldn't escape for the time being...

Originally, her trip to Beijing was simply for the release of her new single. After the release event, Miaoyi had planned to return to the Magic City for her classes. She never expected so many things to happen during this visit and that she would be held back for several days.

When she returned back to the hotel, she received a call from Yun Jie.

In the call, Yun Jie roughly explained this: It's better not to leave the Imperial City in the short term. Stay there. Yun Jie had glanced at Miaoyi's schedule and found out that the Ultra Electronic Music Festival was about to take place. The venue was already being set up, and it would start in about a week.

...Perhaps the reason they suddenly held her back in the Imperial City for a few days was because of this electronic music festival. That old rascal could be quite troublesome.

However, Xiaozhang's attention might not be focused on the electronic music festival. It was after hearing what Miaoyi said that his tone escalated in disbelief, "Wha... what?? Are you saying... you want to come to our headquarters?"

This time, the man surnamed Zhang was truly startled and somewhat caught off guard. In his view, TMY likely already had a contract in hand. It was highly probable that they would sign it on the spot and then send it to Riot's K/DA division in Korea. They wouldn't have much to do with Bilibili.

Moreover, there was one more thing that excited Xiaozhang. Bilibili wasn't a film/acting company. Their biggest names were just some prominent content creators, mostly large "Influencer" personalities. It was quite rare for well-known celebrities to frequent the platform.

But now, TMY had explicitly stated that she wanted to come to Bilibili.

- - - - - - - - - -

(A/N)

Xiaozheng's full name is Xiaozheng Zheng.

I just thought it would be funnier that way.

Also, I know I keep moving Ultra, but I genuinely can't predict what the sequence for any of these events is going to be.

So anyway, Ultra's in a week now.

...not like any of you care if I keep a 100% accurate timeline tho.

:)