Chapter 273 - Selena Tang (11)

The meeting was at the Glory Hotel located in the center of S city. The person who shook hands with him a minute after he entered the cozy and luxurious place was a man in his early thirties too, named Tang Jingyi.

When Jiang Li first laid eyes on the other, amazement crossed his eyes as he couldn't believe somebody like him was working as a mere agent.

Tang Jingyi seemed from a rich family seeing how expensive the items on him and the way he carried himself. There was a slight smile on this person's face and the air around him seemed to suggest that he was not one who could only occasionally be at places like this.

'Is this guy from a powerful family and is just bored so now he's out to contract me?' the thought flickered in his mind.

"Nice meeting you, Mr. Jiang," the man said after introducing himself.

Jiang Li nodded. "Yeah, hello."

When he briefly looked down to open a seat for him, a hint of amus.e.m.e.nt showed in his eyes as he saw some signs that Tang Jingyi seemed to be aware that he was not originally named Jiang Li. It showed from the other's eyes which narrowed for a brief while before giving him a few complicated stares.

If his guess was correct, then this Tang Jingyi was truly not simple. At the very least, this person knew that the man before him whose hair was glistening with some tinge of blue was using a 'fake name'. Maybe he was even aware he was Zheng Xiang.

Although there could also be a chance that he was simply surprised by how the singer seemed to have an aura of somebody that should not be neglected or taken lightly.

The agent, if he was even truly an agent, started to exchange pleasantries with him, mostly bullsh*tting about how he found Jiang Li's music nice and revolutionary. The exaggeration was embarrassing, almost to the point he was calling those randomly uploaded videos and songs life-changing.

Thankfully, Jiang Li's face was thick, so he accepted it all with a calm face. Also, he knew what was truly going on.  

'Heh, common tactics… Wearing out one's awareness and wariness through praises… and then either push down the arrogance they raise through making the other see that they still don't amount to much. There is actually someone better or with better resources. Once this fact is drilled in the other party's mind, later, it will be easier to lead someone on the nose.'

'You think I'd fall for that?'

Thankfully, the guy had no other intention and seemed to be sincere in pulling him into Starlight. So the transmigrator still chose to listen to the other's nonsense.

"Mr. Jiang. I'm sure you have plans to grow more and create more music. However, it will be hard for a solo artist, one army even, to develop more. But don't worry. Because our label is very much interested in your potential and would love to support you and give your resources to further your career."

Jiang Li nodded, feigning interest. "That sounds nice. But what can you offer me?"

"A lot, no worries!" The agent then excitedly added. "I'm aware, Sir, that you're already popular. But, there's a limit to how much you can monetize through Youtube and sponsorship."

'Well, obviously? But am I someone lacking in money?'

"There are also channels or means that you can't access since you're limited by the internet. For example, the TV or big screens… On the other hand, these things are not out of Starlight's reach! We can help you get your songs there, be the OST of dramas or films. We can also help with your albums!"

"Oh?"'Liar. If one is determined enough, he could work his way solo to gain those opportunities too. One could also crowdfund if he's very desperate but has many fans. But well, at least it's true that an established business entity will have an easier time getting those…'

In the end, he replied. "Seems impressive."

"Yes! We can do all of those and will even make sure to give you the best opportunities. And we will be fair to you!" Tang Jingyi paused for a while, pulling up a pen and a piece of paper from his pocket. While writing, the man continued, "Your share will be this. And ours, this. What do you say?"

After glancing at the numbers written down by the agent, Jiang Li suppressed the laughter and pretended to be thinking as he lowered his sight on the food.

Tang Jingyi considerately gave him time to think of the offer. "Take your time, Mr. Jiang. I believe before the meeting ends, we'll reach a consensus."

"Hmmm. Let's see."

Midway, he stopped eating and excuse himself for the restroom. The nearest one the waiter he first saw pointed at him was at another side of the restaurant which was separated from theirs with a wall full of assorted flowers. He walked down the wide space at the center and avoided the chairs and tables.

He discovered that the restroom was at the end of the hallway next to the staircase. He didn't really walk far in. After leaning on the wall, which was actually a side of the double staircase, he fished out his phone from his pocket and messaged Qin Tai.

'Your agent sought me out for a contract, and is tricking me to sign the lowest tier, 10-year contract stuck with that crappy 7:3 distribution.' He let out a sneer as he sent the text.

It was around 12 noon and the president of the entertainment company was in his office dealing with paperwork. Seeing the message that popped up, he felt speechless.

'… Who's the poor fellow who tried to approach this guy?'

Jiang Li only received one reply from Qin Tai. 'Do as you wish.' That made him lift one of his lips.

'Nice. I'd do what I want then. Bore that Tang whoever to death then, I mean, in waiting.' He simply decided.

Instead of going back to the table where the agent would be waiting for him, he approached a waiter and paid the bill, then walked the nearest exit which was not at where he originally came from. In his mind, this was not really him being lenient. Time was just precious, so he would rather spend it on booking a flight back to the capital and packing his stuff.

Mostly rich people or people from middle-class families were eating there. Still, the majority who saw him stayed their eyes at him for a few couples of seconds, probably finding his hair or his face striking. Either these people's eyes were good, or Jiang Li just could stand out even amongst those with eyes used to riches and beauty.

A moment later, when he was about five meters away from the exit, a tall man wearing a formal attire approached him with a kind and polite smile on his face. The person could be differentiated from the other guests through the badge and name tag on his left chest.

"Hello, Sir. You are Mr. Su, right? The one who came here for the audition?"

Jiang Li blinked once after being stopped by a guy who seemed like a staff of that huge restaurant. What was this guy saying?

"Sorry, I'm not someone surnamed Su. You must have mistaken me for somebody."

Surprise showed on the tall young man's expression. After a while, he tried to confirm. "You're not?"

"No." Jiang Li shook his head, musing whether this person was an employee tasked to look for a missing lamb. 'I don't know which director held an audition at a place like this, but perhaps, there's a large room upstairs which could serve that purpose. But is the lost guy somebody resembling me?'

The change in the expression of the staff member did not escape Jiang Li's notice. "Oh, I'm sorry, Sir. I thought you are the person I've been tasked to look for. I based it on your hair color. My apologies."

He nodded. The other bowed and stepped aside to make way for him.

He then continued walking towards the exit. Yet the moment he stepped out, he stilled.

He had locked eyes with a pretty woman with hair tied up. She had a pair of slightly upturned hazel green eyes, high nose, and lips that were neither thin nor thick, just right. She was dressed smartly and was being followed by a girl in a semi-formal attire who seemed to be her assistant.

Jiang Li stared blankly at the girl. Disbelief actually flickered in his eyes. 

"..." 'So she's here...'

He finally found that someone who he had been looking for since eight months ago.