"Start a company?"
Miaoyi looked at An Du Lian in surprise, and next to her, Qiuying had an equally baffled expression. Neither had an immediate response.
"Half-right." An Du Lian glanced at the ever-transparent Qiuying, who was occupied only with food and drink. Then, he shifted her gaze back to Miaoyi: "It's not exactly about setting up your own business. In reality, founding your own company doesn't relate to your personal output value or your contract with East Records. Remember your previous concept of bridging your music with other industries? Starting a company is the best way to realize this step. You can focus solely on making music and entertainment, specializing in your craft. The rest of the details can be handled by professionals."
Honestly, when An Du Lian watched that episode of the Grilling Show" featuring Miaoyi some time ago, he was shocked by the innovative idea. He jotted it down immediately, knowing that this concept held significant potential, and wasn't just a mere joke.
An Du Lian's thinking was quite simple. He knew his daughter well. While Qiuying had a head for business and natural talent, which made her well-suited for the industry, her heart had always been in music. With her own musical dreams and An Du Lian's lack of opposition, the question arose: After Qiuying graduated from the music academy and produced a series of excellent electronic tracks with Miaoyi, gaining what she desired, what next?
Qiuying wasn't extravagant with her spending, but An Du Lian had never been stingy towards her. He wanted to leave the best for his child, so that the adage "wealth does not exceed three generations" wouldn't come true in his case. He aimed to ensure this wealth continued, in a manner his daughter would also appreciate.
Furthermore, An Du Lian knew that many rivals would covet her commercial empire. Hence, he hoped to establish cooperation with Miaoyi. After the short time they had interacted, An Du Lian's current impression was that Miaoyi was indeed a trustworthy individual. Although Miaoyi concealed her feelings well, An Du Lian keenly sensed the underlying concern for Qiuying.
Perhaps, this was what they called friendship. Ah, youth was truly wonderful...
In this way, enabling Miaoyi to take this step of her own was undoubtedly a positive development.
However, contrary to An Du Lian's expectations, Miaoyi didn't immediately accept. Instead, she furrowed her brows and began to contemplate, her gaze cast downward.
Because, truth be told, this piece of news was a bit too sudden.
"Actually, I do have plans for this in the future, but considering the present circumstances, isn't it a bit premature?" After some consideration, Miaoyi thoughtfully expressed her reservations: "I haven't even set up a studio yet, and my age is a factor. I have academics to think about, and I haven't been in the industry for very long... Besides, I don't think I have the capability to run a company. Uncle An, if you wanted me to compose and create music, and quietly focus on creation, that would work. But managing a company with fluctuating funds and ever-changing personnel, I'm truly not equipped for that. I'm quite apprehensive about these aspects."
"Those are non-issues." An Du Lian, hearing Miaoyi's doubts and concerns, smiled indifferently, "As they say, specialize in your field of expertise. The company is meant to be an aid to you, not a burden You can outsource the management to those who are better qualified. Moreover, your age isn't an issue at all. We're all getting up there eventually. Sooner or later doesn't make much of a difference."
"Here's the deal. My idea is for me to invest a sum of money, and we collaborate to formally establish a company. You would be the legal representative of the company, its highest decision-maker and owner. I won't interfere in this matter at all. Finally, my shares will be directly transferred to Qiuying's name. It will be a partnership between you two."
Miaoyi was still hesitant. She felt a bit embarrassed, "Well..."
"I'm investing 20 million, and I'll take 30% of the shares. These will all belong to Qiuying." An Du Lian was composed, speaking calmly, "Deal?"
Miaoyi still hesitated for a moment but then realized how hard it was to turn down such terms. "Deal!"
Miaoyi's agreement was swift, almost lightning-fast, and without a hint of hesitation. How could she refuse such conditions?
Twenty million... she'd never seen so much money in her life. Electronic music was one of the most lucrative fields within the music industry. On top of that, Miaoyi's track prices were quite high; they were almost reaching the level of the top 100 from her previous life.
However, even with all that in mind, compared to twenty million, well, there was no comparison.
As expected, the big shot was indeed a big shot; he made Miaoyi, a little ant, freeze up with just a few words.
"Well then, let's wish ourselves a pleasant cooperation. This is the best decision for us," An Du Lian said with a smile. In a certain light, one could argue that he was actually benefiting from this: "We should find time to finalize the details as soon as possible and also let the outside world know... How about this? During the new single release event in a few days, we can casually spread the word about this matter. I'll be the host, and after the event, I can send people to handle these processes directly."
"Okay... okay." Miaoyi exchanged a glance with Qiuying, then nodded somewhat dazedly.
"Regarding the name of the company, what are your plans?" An Du Lian continued to plan ahead as she asked.
The company's name?
Miaoyi thought for a moment, "Since our focus is on entertainment, there's no need to make a big fuss about unnecessary things. How about keeping it simple? Let's call it 'Qiumi Entertainment.' It's the first characters of both my name and Yingying's."
An Du Lian replied, "Qiumi Entertainment? Although it's straightforward, it does have a nice ring to it. It also leaves a unique first impression. Alright, let's go with that."
- - - - - - - - - -
The next day continued as normal.
Miaoyi and Qiuying still lazed around, acting as if this was a vacation which, honestly it kind of was.
In fact, for Qiuying, nothing was out of the ordinary.
But for Miaoyi...
Today, December 24th, was exactly 100 days since she arrived in this world.
...It felt much longer.
Her days were filled with so many events, that time didn't seem real.
But that wasn't a bad thing.
She was doing what she wanted to do. She had fulfilled her one regret, and taken the leap to become an Electronic Musician.
A successful one at that. I mean, what percentage of DJ's make it to the DJ Mag Top 100?
There were so many obstacles in her way. School, The Rex, Cheng Xiaofan, Gao Tucáo, even managing public opinion, or learning how to recreate the noises she remembered was a struggle.
But she had overcome it all. After only 100 days, she was already about to announce the founding of her own company, only possible due to her music, and Qiuying's father.
Speaking of Qiuying...
She was the piece of this world that made Miaoyi the happiest.
Miaoyi had never had a best friend before. Sure, she wasn't a loner in the other world, but after her 100 days here, there was no comparison.
This was the closest she'd ever felt to a person. No one in either of her two lives even compared to the connection the two of them had.
But anyway, that's enough reminiscing. It's day 100, so might as well celebrate...
Miaoyi called for room service, and gave the staff her order. She waited impatiently by the door for them to arrive, though, with the quality of the hotel, she didn't wait long.
She grabbed her order in both hands, and walked over to the bed.
Distracted, Qiuying didn't notice her until Miaoyi presented her with one.
"Oh, cake?" Qiuying asked, looking up from her phone. "Are you celebrating something?"
"Nope." Miaoyi lied, as she handed one of the two slices of cake to Qiuying.
"Then why?"
"No reason," Miaoyi responded. The conversation died down, as both girls focused on the treat in front of them. Though it was silent, the atmosphere was never awkward.
It was warm.
'thank you, Qiuying'