I became famous in the entertainment industry by burning incense

Chapter 493 Reveals Inside Story, Hao Zhongyi Appears, Music Copyright Crisis (6K views, requesting monthly votes)
After confirming that everyone shared the same idea, March Sky and the others had a more open conversation with Zhang Guang.

They mentioned that after terminating their contract with Tianding, March Band would not disband, but would become a limited-time group instead of a regular group, with several months of comeback periods each year specifically for them to participate in group announcements.

Zhang Guang pondered for a moment and said, "The reason Tianding wants you to separate is because your development as a top boy band has reached its limit."

The number of announcements and endorsements you've secured has reached its limit. Continuing to have you as a group will only lead to a step backward.

I actually agree with the company's decision to separate you. Climbing to the top is not easy, and watching yourself fall step by step from the top is even harder. If you can accept this kind of decline, you can reunite as a group.

Yan Xingdong and the others exchanged glances, each seeing a resolute look in the other's eyes.

Chen Lin smiled and said, "Brother Guang, so what if things go down? We can take it or leave it. The reason we still want to continue as a group is because we don't want to let our fans down."

Luo Yi: "We were aware of the issue with the announcements. Developing individual schedules is the best solution. We just don't want to disband completely. This way, we can give our fans who have followed us for many years an explanation."

Gu Cheng said, "Back then, in order to help us debut, including the various ranking data we needed to unlock endorsements after our debut, fans spent a lot of energy and money."

Even though we've transitioned into more serious, established artists, we don't want to let our fans down. They've given so much, and we want to leave them with the hope of a team comeback. I think that's a good thing.

Yan Xingdong said, "Even if we become less and less popular as a team, we will never fall to the second tier. Our combination is just not cost-effective for Tianding, but it does not mean that we will really become less and less profitable."

Yan Xingdong saw it very clearly: even if March's popularity declined and its fame weakened, leaving only the support of its fans...

However, with the sheer number of fans Marchday has, their fans alone are enough to maintain their status as a top-tier boy band.

Chen Lin seemed to have thought of something and said, "We're not mainly focused on boy group appearances. Most of the time we also need to develop individual appearances. As long as our personal image and reputation don't go wrong, we'll only become more and more popular. And when we return to the group, we'll become even more popular. How could we not be popular?"

Everyone else couldn't help but look at Chen Lin, their gazes intense.

Chen Lin shrank back slightly: "Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong?"

Zhang Guang patted him on the shoulder, "No, I just think you have such a great eye and you're so good at analyzing things. As your agent, I'm very proud of you!"

Yan Xingdong: "Chen Lin has grown up. He's finally got some brains."

Gu Cheng: "It would be better if he were a little more cunning. Don't always look at him like he's a simpleton."

Luo Yi pushed up his decorative glasses, gave a soft hum, and wore an expression that seemed to say, "I know everything."

He felt that Chen Lin was quite cunning, but he only focused on pursuing people.

After having a frank and open conversation with March Sky, Zhang Guang felt a long-lost sense of relief.

After leaving the villa, he returned to his residence and called a friend to inquire about matters such as starting a company.

My friend isn't in the entertainment industry; he works for a big brand company.

Because that brand wanted to collaborate with March Sky, he spent some time liaising with them. At that time, both Zhang Guang and March Sky were newcomers in the entertainment industry, and the coordination process was quite chaotic.

This person helped them a lot and often kept in touch with Zhang Guang in private. Over time, the two became friends.

"What kind of company do you want to start?"

Zhang Guang asked, "Artists have their own studios, but do their managers also need to have their own studios?"

My friend replied, "That depends on what kind of channel you want to use. Artist studios have limited resources and rely on the artist's own network, so they have a high degree of autonomy."

If something goes wrong, the team can resolve it quickly. The studio focuses entirely on the artist's core affairs; essentially, it's a small, independent operation, suitable for top-tier artists who already have influence and are seeking financial support.

He then changed the subject: "The company is a resource-based platform with strong resource integration capabilities, covering film and television, and endorsements across the entire network."

However, the decision-making efficiency is low, requiring multiple levels of approval and complex processes.

However, it can provide comprehensive services for artists, such as publicity, legal affairs, finance, business development, etc. If you choose to start a company, you can also control various investments through the company.

Zhang Guang hesitated. He wanted to start his own company, but perhaps opening a studio would allow him to serve the artists more quickly.

A friend suggested, "When you first start a company, the process doesn't need to be too complicated, and you can keep the number of employees small. If you start a company, the artists' studios can also be affiliated with your company."

"With your extensive network in the industry, my advice is to start a company, integrate all your resources, and unite them to achieve greater results."

Zhang Guang said, "Then let's start a company. Will the process be complicated?"

"I recommend someone to you. He specializes in handling company procedures. He can get things done quickly without taking up too much of your energy."

After we finished discussing business, my friend asked curiously, "Aren't you working at Tianding? Why do you suddenly want to start your own company? Are you thinking of going solo?"

Zhang Guang cautiously replied, "No, I'm still working at Tianding. I might have a chance to be promoted to management this year."

However, according to Tianding's internal regulations, once you enter the management team, you can't personally manage artists. But I have so many resources in the entertainment industry, it would be a waste to leave them unused.

So I was thinking, could I start a company, consolidate resources, and maybe it could help others?

My friend suddenly realized, “Your idea is good, but you might have to tell Tianding that big companies have different opinions about employees starting a company with others during their employment.”

Especially since the business of the company you own is highly similar to that of the company you work for, Tianding will likely have you sign some non-compete agreements.

He joked, "Of course, they might not make you sign a very harsh contract. Maybe they'll just tell you not to manage the artists for Tianding Entertainment."

Zhang Guang smiled and said, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Don't let anyone know, or I might change my mind in a few days."

My friend said, "OK!"

After hanging up the phone, he sent several messages to other people, all asking them to keep his whereabouts a secret from Tianding and not to reveal his location to anyone.

It's impossible to let Tianding know that.

He also won't sign a non-compete agreement with Tianding. In the industry, when agents switch jobs or resign, I've never heard of them signing non-compete agreements.

Since March Sky trusts him so much, he should do something for March Sky.

At least in terms of contracts, we should delay as long as possible, and in terms of announcements, we should try to fill them with as many as possible.

To prevent a company from controlling its artists, the first step is to make the artists sign a large number of contracts with exorbitant penalties for breach of contract.

When the truth comes out, if Tianding wants to deal with Sanyuetian, that's fine too.

Pay out a huge penalty for breach of contract.

As for deliberately releasing negative information to ruin an artist's reputation, that's even more impossible.

Do you think big brands' public opinion monitoring is just for show?

If Tianding Entertainment intentionally damages the reputation of its artists, the brands should consider suing them and imposing penalties for breach of contract.

A busy schedule can be a restriction on an artist's freedom, but it can also be a form of protection.

At least during the announcement period, Tianding wouldn't dare spread rumors if it didn't want to be sued by the brand.

In the past, companies could even blacklist artists who refused to renew their contracts.

However, with increasingly stringent public opinion monitoring and greater emphasis placed on artists' reputation and public image within the industry, such situations are becoming increasingly rare, leaving companies with virtually no opportunity to exert influence.

At least they have little chance to suppress their own top stars. If something goes wrong, both the company and the artist will have to pay compensation. The company cannot stay out of it.

The brand doesn't care about the company's difficulties; it's all about settling the breach of contract fees first.

It's funny to say that some celebrities sign a bunch of endorsement deals when they get married, but they don't dare to announce their divorce a few years later, and they drag out the news for two or three years.

The brand requires the artist to maintain a marital image during the contract period; if they fail to do so, they will be subject to a penalty.

As a result, paparazzi photographed a celebrity having an extramarital affair, using a "one-finger gesture," and flirting with a younger man, which revealed to netizens that the so-called loving couple had already divorced.

As for the so-called extramarital affair, that is naturally not true.
-
The next day, Zhang Guang arrived at Tianding.

At the same time, Qi Guanmingzhu also stepped out of Ji Qinglian's door.

She made no attempt to conceal her presence as she left Ji Qinglian's apartment, and was photographed by paparazzi lying in wait in the garage.

These paparazzi are all here for Qi Guanmingzhu.

They received confirmation that today is the day Qi Guanmingzhu's contract with Tianding Entertainment is completely terminated.

However, whether she signed with Tianding or switched to another company remains to be seen, with no word circulating in the industry.

They called Tianding's staff, but they couldn't explain it.

I also called Chenxi Entertainment, but they were also unsure.

The paparazzi were a bit annoyed. If Qi Guanmingzhu had really signed a contract, shouldn't these companies be making a big fuss about it?

Why is it that the closer the date gets, the calmer I become?

"She's out! She's finally here! Looks like she spent the whole night at Ji Qinglian's place. They seem to have a really good relationship!"

"It's no joke that the girl group with the most harmonious relationship in the Chinese entertainment industry is Pink Girls. Among all the girl group members, Pink Girls has the best relationship. Even though the group has disbanded, they still get together from time to time."

Because the members have a good relationship, their fans are very tolerant of the group and often hope that they can perform together publicly.

There were too many paparazzi staking out the underground parking garage. Some of them initially tried to take photos secretly, but they found that other paparazzi were even more blatant and had taken the best shooting positions.

The other paparazzi panicked, revealed themselves, and started snapping photos of Qi Guanmingzhu.

Some paparazzi were taking pictures while greeting her.

Are you heading to the new company to sign a contract later?

Qi Guanmingzhu smiled brightly and said, "Yes!" The paparazzi perked up and immediately asked, "Are you going to Tianding? If you were going to Tianding, it should have been publicized by now. Which company did you choose?"

Qi Guanmingzhu smiled and said, "You'll find out when the time comes. I'll announce it as soon as the contract is signed."

After greeting Mingzhu, the paparazzi did not block the road, but instead made way for Qi Guan Mingzhu's car to pass first.

The paparazzi who arrived later saw this scene and said with some surprise, "I feel like Qi Guanmingzhu has a very good relationship with those paparazzi who asked the questions. It's rare to see such a harmonious relationship between celebrities and paparazzi."

Some of the older paparazzi stared at the license plates of the media cars that had already left, as well as the logo on the microphone they had just glimpsed, a thoughtful look flashing in their eyes.

“Those paparazzi seem to be from Hong Kong and Taiwan. That’s not surprising. When the pink girl group first debuted, they had the most appearances and activities in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Even after they became popular in mainland China, they still frequently went to Hong Kong and Taiwan to participate in activities.”

Upon hearing this, a paparazzo suddenly had a flash of inspiration and excitedly slapped his thigh:
"Do you think entertainment companies in Hong Kong and Taiwan might also want to sign Qi Guan Mingzhu?"

"This……"

The other paparazzi looked at each other, feeling that it was indeed possible.

After all, they've switched contracts with so many artists, and they've never encountered Hong Kong and Taiwan media following and reporting on them before.

Unfortunately, news from Hong Kong and Taiwan doesn't come to the mainland very often. Otherwise, considering the recent news from the Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment industry, they would know why these media outlets are here.

Jinli had no scenes to film that morning, and as usual, she did practice problems until she needed to use the restroom before taking a break.

Jinli goes to the toilet very frequently, basically once every two hours.

Initially, netizens were unaware of this pattern and called Jinli "Liver Queen" because she could stay seated for two hours straight.

It was only after it was discovered that she frequently went to the bathroom during her breaks that netizens raised this question, which was then personally acknowledged by Jinli with a like, thus confirming her regular rest schedule.

During her break today, her phone vibrated. Jinli opened it and was stunned.

This is a private message from Qi Guanmingzhu.

Hao Zhongyi Entertainment contacted me last month, wanting me to switch jobs and join them, but I ignored them.

They've been contacting me quite frequently these past few days, offering increasingly higher prices each time. Their current offer is no less than what Chenxi Entertainment promised, and they've even promised me many international resources.

Jinli thought for a moment and then made a phone call.

A moment later, Qi Guanmingzhu answered the phone. Although it was very quiet around her, Jinli heard a commotion.

Jinli asked, "Where are you? Have you arrived at Chenxi Entertainment yet?"

Qi Guanmingzhu: "I've arrived at the company gate, but there are a lot of media and fans gathered there, and my car is blocked at the gate and I can't drive in."

She paused, then stammered, "I've been here for two hours. More and more people are coming. Sister Fang has urged me to get off the bus several times, saying that the company would send me the best security, but I refused because I was worried about my safety."

Jinli knew that Qiguan Mingzhu was not an indecisive person.

She always carries out her decisions and promises decisively and efficiently.

Qi Guanmingzhu's sudden hesitation meant that she was genuinely hesitant, rather than deliberately putting on airs or trying to profit from a rare opportunity.

Jinli asked, "Do you have any concerns?"
-
Meanwhile, topics about Qi Guan Mingzhu also trended on social media.

#Qi Guanmingzhu arrives at the gates of Chenxi Entertainment!#
#Qi Guanmingzhu is about to sign with Chenxi Entertainment!#
#Contract signing changes, Qi Guanmingzhu refuses to get out of the car for two hours#
The first two tags were the first to go viral, but the last one only appeared for half an hour before it reached third place on the trending topics list and became the most discussed topic across the entire internet!

While its overall popularity isn't as high as the first and second points, it's only a matter of time before it surpasses them.

Many gossip-related public accounts jumped in to analyze the situation, with "Yixin Entertainment," which had leaked the news two hours earlier, receiving the most attention.

At the time, while major media outlets were speculating about who would win Qi Guan Mingzhu's heart, only "Easy Entertainment" revealed that a Hong Kong entertainment company had contacted Qi Guan Mingzhu, seemingly with a "specially crafted international superstar" plan centered around her, showing great sincerity.

No matter which company Qi Guanmingzhu signs with this time, there is a high possibility that something unexpected will happen!

While major media outlets were still unaware of the "Hong Kong media" trend, Yixin Entertainment's paparazzi had already compiled the headlines of Hong Kong gossip accounts from the past month, quickly capturing the Hong Kong media's analysis of Qi Guan Mingzhu.

As for the "international superstar" plan mentioned on gossip accounts, it's just a fabrication based on rumors leaked by Hong Kong media!

It is true that Hong Kong and Taiwan have easier access to the international community, but now it is not easy for Hong Kong and Taiwan stars to make a living. Their salaries are low and they have few endorsements, so many Hong Kong and Taiwan stars are coming to the mainland to make money.

If Hong Kong and Taiwan companies still want to sign Qi Guan Mingzhu at this time, apart from going international, the paparazzi can't think of any conditions they can offer to entice the artist.

Although it is fabricated, it is logically consistent.

When it was first posted, netizens dismissed it, but after Qi Guanmingzhu lingered outside the gates of Chenxi Entertainment for two hours, it immediately went viral across the internet.

So it really is Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment companies trying to poach Qi Guan Mingzhu? What's so great about the entertainment industry there? It's not even as good as the card rooms in Macau!

Yes, Macau's card and mahjong parlors are practically ingeniously designed with feng shui principles, making you want to keep playing. As for the Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment industry, that's a relic of the last century. Who are the famous celebrities from that era?

Wow, check out Jiang Moumou, who's become a sensation across Asia, Southeast Asia, and the entire universe! Known as Hong Kong's top star, Hong Kong's only top star, his popularity surpasses the Four Heavenly Kings, and he's even more popular than Jay Chou and Eason Chan!

[Upstairs, that person's popularity isn't even as high as Luohu Station in the small fishing village. If Qi Guan Mingzhu really signed with a Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment company, that would be a huge joke (doge)]

With "Easy Entertainment" pointing the way, the domestic media finally realized what was happening and started looking into the latest news in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, discovering that the media there had been frequently mentioning Qi Guan Mingzhu in recent days.

The reason for this is that "Hao Zhongyi Entertainment," a once-powerful entertainment giant in Hong Kong, which has fallen on hard times, has recently been making frequent moves and has publicly stated that it wants to sign Qi Guan Mingzhu!

Netizen: Because of lack of thought.jpg
Originally, netizens did not believe that Qi Guan Mingzhu would resort to such a drastic measure as switching to a Hong Kong entertainment company.

However, as Qi Guanmingzhu remained outside the gates of Chenxi Entertainment, netizens began to feel uneasy.

[This is a health supplement T^T The supplement is telling me you're going to Hong Kong! People strive for higher positions, water flows downhill, but why are you going downhill instead?!]

If you've been kidnapped, just type "1" and I'll transform into Super Wings to rescue you!

Could it be that Hao Zhongyi Entertainment used her negative information to blackmail her, forcing her to sign with the company?

After looking around, the guess upstairs makes the most sense.

[When the pink-clad girls debuted, they were diligent and hardworking. The only one with the most scandals was Jin Li, who was called the "Queen of Slacking Off" by paparazzi and often mocked for not having the energy to work, making her seem like she would die young. What scandals could Qi Guan Mingzhu possibly have?]

The matter has caused a great uproar among netizens.

In the real world, Jinli is on the phone with Qiguan Mingzhu.

Qi Guanmingzhu was silent for a while, then sighed and said, "He threatened me today with the issue of our music copyright, saying that if I don't sign with Hao Zhongyi Entertainment, he won't let us sing all of Pink Girl's songs."

Jinli was stunned for a moment.

"But the problem is that our music copyrights are not with Hao Zhongyi Entertainment either. I remember that the company sold our music copyrights as a package. We wanted to get them back, but we were a few days late, and we don't know who bought them."

Jinli remembers this very clearly.

Because they don't know who bought their music copyrights, they can't contact the copyright holder to obtain authorization when they want to sing.

Qi Guanmingzhu came up with a dirty trick: she would sing first, and once she received the breach of contract summons from the court, she would know who had bought the copyright.

It's just a lawsuit, she doesn't care.

Because she sang for several months without receiving any summons, the other members followed suit and also went to sing.

Copyright issues will be addressed later.

Over the years, no one has ever approached them about music copyright issues.

They all thought that their music copyrights had been bought by some philanthropist and made public.

Because other artists can sing their songs without any problems.

Now Hao Zhongyi Entertainment is jumping out and saying that they own the music copyrights?
is it possible?

It's obviously impossible!

Otherwise, Hao Zhongyi Entertainment would have issued them summons long ago; how could they possibly be doing charity work?

Qi Guanmingzhu said, "I also think it's not in their hands, but he just sent me the copyright contract."

Jinli asked astutely, "Can we see the specific companies that have been acquired?"

“No,” Qi Guanmingzhu shook her head and said, “He only showed me the first page of the contract, which was all about the music copyright for Pink Girl.”

"But after looking at some details of the contract, it wasn't fake; it was our copyright contract, no doubt."

Jinli asked, "So you're considering switching to Hao Zhongyi Entertainment because of our music copyright issues?"

Qi Guanmingzhu immediately denied it: "Of course not. I would be stupid to sign it. If it were a giant company that hadn't been split up before, maybe it would be possible."

But now Hao Zhongyi Entertainment is becoming a second-tier entertainment company in Hong Kong, and it hasn't expanded its business to the mainland, so there's no way I'm going there.

Jinli laughed, "That's right, what are you hesitating about? Or do you not want to sign with Chenxi Entertainment anymore?"

Qi Guanmingzhu hesitated and said, "Hao Zhongyi Entertainment wants to sign me. As long as I don't sign with any other company and don't give in to them, there's room for negotiation."

I want to go to Hong Kong Island first to discuss our music copyright issues with them.

Jinli countered, "Would you like to hear my advice?"

Qi Guanmingzhu nodded like a chick pecking at rice: "Go on."

Jinli: "Don't go, sue them."

　Here's a 6,000-word update! Please vote and keep reading!
(End of this chapter)