Chapter Sixty-Three: The Signing Ceremony (Part Two)

The signing ceremony was held by Galaxy Entertainment in the grand hall of the Sea View Hotel. As a venue experienced in hosting such events, the hotel had prepared everything impeccably. At the front stood a long table draped in a red cloth, reserved for the organizers. The first three rows in the audience were set aside for journalists, behind which lay a wide aisle to accommodate the array of cameras and equipment. Further back were the audience seats, designated for the fans who came to cheer on their idols.

Now, every seat was filled. Chang Yan, accompanied by a dozen core members, bustled about, organizing the fans as best as possible. She reminded them to applaud and cheer for their idol at the right moments, and to offer timely support should their idol face tough questions from reporters. Fortunately, the number of fans today was not overwhelming, providing them with valuable experience for future events. With this first attempt, they were sure to do better and better going forward.

Amid thunderous applause, the Galaxy Entertainment team filed out from backstage and took their seats at the main table. The company’s three major executives—Yu Fengqin, He Li, and Lian Yuling—joined the heads of publicity and public relations, as well as Shen Manni and Lin Qihua, all present and accounted for.

He Li took on the role of impromptu host. In her remarks, she spoke highly of Lin Qihua, who, despite laying low over the past year, never ceased to improve his skills and composed many excellent songs, making outstanding contributions to Galaxy Entertainment. She expressed her delight at his official comeback and his decision to join Galaxy Entertainment, becoming one of the company’s many stars. Lin Qihua, she said, was a supremely talented young artist, a fact well-proven over the past year. She believed that in the years ahead, he would continue to create great works and songs, moving his fans time and again and contributing outstanding music to the industry.

Next, with the journalists and the entire audience as witnesses, Lin Qihua and Yu Fengqin signed their names on the contract as representatives of both parties, marking the official success of the signing and Lin Qihua’s formal return.

A storm of applause erupted as the two exchanged contracts under the flash of cameras, both beaming with radiant smiles.

“Now, let’s move on to the media Q&A session. Please raise your hands if you have questions,” He Li announced with a cheerful smile.

Instantly, countless hands shot up from the floor.

He Li selected the quickest. The reporter stood and asked, “I’m from Star Media. First, congratulations on your successful comeback. My question is: with the company holding such a grand signing ceremony, does this mean you’ll be promoted as the leading star? As far as I know, Galaxy Entertainment currently has no A-list celebrities.”

“I never imagined I’d announce my comeback in a place like this,” Lin Qihua replied with a smile to the reporter. “A lot has happened in the past year, but fortunately, I made it through. Now I’m here again, back on the stage I love. I owe this to Galaxy Entertainment’s appreciation and care for me. As a fifth-tier star, this occasion feels almost too grand. Precisely because of this, I will do my utmost to repay the company’s kindness. Whether I become the leading star isn’t something that’s handed out; it’s earned through music. When my songs are loved by a wide audience, then, regardless of titles, both the company and I will be winners.”

Applause filled the hall.

The next reporter stood and asked, “Can you share any details about the contract? I assume it’s not a simple agreement?”

“It’s definitely not simple,” He Li answered directly. “Currently, Lin Qihua is ranked as a fifth-tier artist, and we naturally can’t break with industry regulations. However, as everyone knows, his abilities far exceed that status. So, we’ve signed a flexible contract, spanning five years. The contract stipulates that as soon as Lin Qihua reaches a new tier, his contract will automatically adjust to the upper limit of that tier. In other words, if, after the next ranking, he moves up to third-tier, the contract adjusts accordingly; if he accomplishes the extraordinary and rises to second-tier or even first-tier, we’ll likewise apply the highest terms for those levels. This is our show of sincerity. As the company’s greatest discovery this year, we are not stingy with the most favorable terms. Moreover, aside from adhering to the contract’s provisions, all other benefits will be provided at a first-tier level.”

A murmur ran through the press. The questioning reporter asked, “How did your company arrive at this decision? Flexible clauses are understandable for talented artists, but providing first-tier treatment from the outset—don’t you think that’s a bit much? Does that mean you already see him as a top star?”

“Yes, he deserves it. Time will prove us right,” He Li replied resolutely.

A cheer rose from the audience. Seeing their idol so valued by the company, how could the fans not be delighted?

“Hello, I’m a reporter from Red Bean Entertainment,” another journalist stood up—the very same from that old rivalry. “I believe Galaxy Entertainment values you for your creative talent. What puzzles me, though, is how someone so young could write so many songs in such different styles? Even more curious, your songs capture a young girl’s secret thoughts, the sorrows of heartbreak, and the insights that come after emotional trauma. Without a certain amount of life experience, it’s hard to write such songs. How do you explain this?”

Clearly looking to stir up trouble, Lin Qihua glanced at the reporter, recognizing Red Bean Entertainment’s lingering resentment from past defeats—here to make things difficult.

“It’s actually quite simple,” Lin Qihua replied with a confident smile. “In this age of information explosion, what’s impossible? If you haven’t eaten pork, surely you’ve seen pigs run?”

Laughter rippled through the audience.

“Yes, your question is a good one,” Lin Qihua continued. “Over the past year, I’ve been through a lot—I’m no longer the artist sheltered by the company. I’ve learned what heartbreak feels like, I’ve witnessed many ups and downs in life, I’ve seen the pain of mutual love that cannot be, and I’ve observed others who, despite giving everything, still pursue their dreams with resolve. Every song tells a story and represents a moment of emotion. I may not have experienced every kind of relationship, but I can empathize, and that’s why I can write these songs. If I must give a reason, then it’s talent—I was born with it, that’s all.”

With a shrug, Lin Qihua left the Red Bean Entertainment reporter speechless, forcing him to sit down in defeat.

“Hello, I’m from Entertainment Vanguard Media,” another journalist stood up. “I want to verify a rumor. It’s been reported that on your very first day with the company, you used their backing to suppress a fellow artist, slandering his character without evidence and causing him significant emotional harm—he still can’t work normally, and his fans are very dissatisfied. How do you respond to this?”

“You must be from the rival camp,” Lin Qihua replied with a faint smile. “I think everyone knows what our company went through not long ago. We didn’t complain, but faced the difficulties head-on. However, the other side’s unscrupulous methods and disregard for industry rules are truly shameful and disheartening. If powerful companies all used such tactics, how could small companies like ours survive? When a new company brazenly waves its checkbook to poach talent and suppress others, does that mean capital alone gives one free rein? Must every artist now sign exorbitant penalty clauses? Such actions would severely damage the industry’s ecosystem, and I think we should all take heed.”

“I asked about your suppression of another artist. Please don’t change the subject.”

“Oh, right, my apologies—I got carried away. You’re talking about Zhao Qiao, aren’t you? Yes, on my first day, I had a conflict with him because he was a mole sent by our competitor. And no, this isn’t a movie—it really happened. He was bought off by the other side, yet still expected the company to keep promoting him and boosting his popularity. He was dreaming, frankly.”

“Do you have any concrete evidence?”

“No,” Lin Qihua said with a shrug, “but as long as we believe it, that’s enough. In this case, the company decisively suspended all his activities and appearances. Even without this, it’s within the company’s rights to suspend an artist for wrongdoing—there’s no law or regulation against it. If you think I was responsible, you’re mistaken. Only the company has that authority. If you believe we’ve broken any laws, feel free to sue us, or take it up with the Music or Artists’ Associations. We’ll be happy to respond.”

“I seriously doubt your professionalism,” the reporter said, to which Lin Qihua shook his head and replied, “If you want to challenge us, bring real proof. If you want to file a complaint, this isn’t the place—head out, turn left. And first, be sure to have a letter of authorization from the party involved, or else the association will just throw you out.”

With a few lighthearted remarks, Lin Qihua deftly defused the reporter’s challenge. The following questions were mostly about the company’s plans and Lin Qihua’s next steps—standard fare, really. After all, his popularity was not yet high; the reporters had come mainly because of Galaxy Entertainment’s recent momentum, which was closely tied to Lin Qihua. Otherwise, how could the return of a minor artist attract so much attention?