Chapter 59: If You Turn Down Eighty Million, Where Is Your Original Intent?

Galaxy International Tower.

Inside the conference room.

Liu Qiangxi handed the draft agreement in his hand to Qian Jida.

“Mr. Qian, our new brand project is set to launch this year. Here is the content of the contract. The initial parts are all similar to what we’ve discussed before. The key thing is, I want you to look at the types of variety shows we’re planning to sponsor. As we’ve mentioned, we need our spokesperson to participate in the entire season of the sponsored show. Of course, I understand that for an artist of Su Mu’s caliber, his schedule for the whole year is likely already fully booked. That’s why we didn’t make a hasty decision and instead invited you to review which program would be more suitable for Su Mu and how his schedule might be arranged. Every step is crucial when a new brand is breaking into the market, and we can’t afford any mistakes along the way.”

Liu Qiangxi’s tone was sincere.

It was clear how much he valued this new brand.

Qian Jida replied, “You’ve considered everything, Mr. Liu. Su Mu’s schedule is indeed packed this year—he still has three dramas to shoot. If he were to participate in an entire season of a variety show, it would definitely require some careful coordination.”

As he spoke, Qian Jida glanced at the proposal in his hand. His expression gradually stiffened.

He had expected perhaps some reality shows, but instead, it was “Rap of China” and “Street Dance of China.”

Seeing Qian Jida’s expression, Liu Qiangxi more or less guessed that he hadn't anticipated these to be the shows they’d sponsor.

“Mr. Qian, which one do you think is suitable? Or is this a bit difficult? If you have any concerns, please bring them up, and we’ll coordinate in detail.”

Qian Jida thought for a moment.

“I really hadn’t expected these to be the shows you’d sponsor. It’s true, in recent years, hip-hop elements have dominated much of entertainment, and these two shows have made a huge impact, launching quite a few stars. If we’re talking about current trends, these are absolutely at the forefront. But Su Mu has always focused on film and television—he’s never dabbled in these kinds of shows. I honestly can’t guarantee how well he’d do.”

No one knew Su Mu better than Qian Jida.

After all, he was the one who discovered Su Mu in the first place.

He knew that if Su Mu had become a trainee back then, he could have participated in these types of variety shows. After all, rap and street dance are major skills for idol trainees. But Su Mu never went down that route—Qian Jida had intercepted him and put him in a supporting role straight away.

So Su Mu never picked up those particular talents.

Even if his acting had skyrocketed over the past six months and he could write and release a few songs, rap and street dance… those were another matter entirely.

Besides, the more popular the variety show, the greater the controversy. Do well, and everyone will follow you, praise you, crown you as a trendsetter. Do poorly, and you could lose your entire young fan base overnight. Plenty of artists had fallen from grace that way. It was always a double-edged sword.

Liu Qiangxi, seeing Qian Jida’s expression, could roughly guess what he was worried about.

“Mr. Qian, I understand your concerns, but our new brand is positioned as a trendy, affordable luxury for young people. The head office has made it clear that we can’t forgo sponsorship of these popular variety shows. So if Su Mu wants to be our spokesperson, he can only choose from these few options.”

His meaning was unmistakable.

Their new brand’s China strategy came directly from the overseas headquarters. As the regional director, he could only implement it.

If Su Mu wanted the endorsement, he had to participate in a full season.

Qian Jida replied, “I understand, Mr. Liu, but I still need to discuss this carefully with Su Mu. I have to hear his thoughts. If he says yes, I’ll support him; if not, we’ll have to pass on this endorsement.”

Liu Qiangxi didn’t seem disappointed by Qian Jida’s reply. Instead, he gave a crooked smile, as if he’d seen through something.

“All right, that’s fine. But I believe Su Mu can handle it. He’s not just any ordinary man.”

Qian Jida: “???”

—

Hengdian World Studios.

At that moment, Su Mu was unaware of the conversation between Qian Jida and Liu Qiangxi.

He was still staring blankly at the three street dance skills he’d drawn.

How to put it… this talent came a bit late.

Had it been back when he aspired to be an idol, he would have loved it—singing, dancing, rapping, basketball, all the hallmarks of a top idol.

With those skills, he could have joined a talent show and debuted.

But now, his acting career alone could take him to the top.

There was no need to master every possible skill.

Unless, of course, he had to play a role in a street dance film or series, like the “Step Up” series from his previous life.

Then he’d have to train for it.

But right now…

Ring!

A WeChat video call popped up.

He snapped out of his thoughts and saw it was Qian Jida calling.

Su Mu answered, “Hey man, it’s almost New Year! Time to hand over the red envelope—if you don’t, you’ll be out of favor! That’s a rhyme—skr!”

Qian Jida: “…”

Su Mu: “Ahem… what’s up, Mr. Qian?”

Qian Jida: “I just got back from Liu Qiangxi’s.”

Su Mu: “The new endorsement is about to begin?”

Qian Jida: “Yes, their new brand is about to launch. But there’s a minor issue: you have to participate in their sponsored variety show, the entire season.”

Su Mu: “Didn’t we already talk about this? I can do it, and they’re paying extra per appearance. Why not make some money?”

Qian Jida: “But the shows they’re sponsoring are a bit tricky—one is ‘Rap of China,’ the other is ‘Street Dance of China.’ Which one do you think you can handle? Both are insanely popular. If you don’t do well, it’ll definitely affect you, especially with the younger fans.”

Su Mu: “Can’t they change it?”

Qian Jida: “No. If they change, they’ll just pick a different spokesperson. My advice is, even though eighty million is a lot, your steady growth is more important. You’ve already got four dramas this year. There’s no need to push yourself so hard.”

Su Mu: “No.”

Qian Jida: “What?”

Su Mu: “Eighty million—I’m in!”

Qian Jida: “Su Mu, your filming schedule is already packed. Even if you start learning now, those shows are full of professionals. Do you really think you can beat them?”

Su Mu: “Make the money now, worry about the rest later. If I don’t earn that eighty million, what’s the point?”

Qian Jida: “If the show goes badly, all the fans and reputation you’ve built up from your dramas could vanish.”

Su Mu: “Eighty million.”

Qian Jida: “Think it over again!”

Su Mu: “Eighty million.”

Qian Jida: “Fine, I get it…”