Reborn as a comedic artist

"So, I want to take some time to reflect...!"

Cheng Ming raised his head, his eyes resolute.

Zhao Zhiqiang was taken aback: "Settling? How so...?"

"I want to go out and see the world, take my team, experience the lives of ordinary people, get close to the working class, and see the beautiful landscapes of our motherland..."

"I want to uncover the stories hidden in the everyday life, whether it's music or video; it shouldn't just be something created behind closed doors in recording studios and film studios!"

Cheng Ming's voice was not loud, but every word he spoke was profound and resonated deeply with every educator present.

"I want to continue creating using the 'music + video' model, but this requires accumulation. I'm not in a hurry to fly high; I want to establish a solid foundation first..."

Quiet.

A deathly silence.

Wang Jianhua's mouth dropped open, and he didn't even notice the cigarette burning his fingers.

Li Baoguo took off his glasses and rubbed his slightly moist eyes.

Liu Jianjun and Zhang Shengli stopped arguing and looked at the spirited young man in front of them with complicated expressions.

What is perspective?

This is the layout!

While other students were fighting tooth and nail for a guaranteed spot in graduate school or selling their dignity for a chance to participate in a talent show, Cheng Ming had already reached a higher level, contemplating the origins of art and the depth of life.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Zhao Zhiqiang slammed his hand on the table and said "good" three times in a row, so excited that he stood up.

His eyes were red-rimmed, and his voice even trembled slightly.

Zhao Zhiqiang pointed at Cheng Ming and roared at the four deans, "Listen to this! All of you, listen to this...!"

"These are the students our Sichuan Conservatory of Music should be cultivating! Neither arrogant nor servile, thoughtful and insightful!"

"Tears are streaming down my face... I've dedicated my whole life to arts education, and in the end, a student taught me a lesson. I'm ashamed, so ashamed!" Li Baoguo sighed deeply.

"This child is too composed. A late bloomer? No, he's a born artist...!"

Liu Jianjun nodded repeatedly.

.....

Cheng Ming looked at the room full of old men who had been persuaded to tears and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Thankfully, this attempt at showing off went smoothly...

Actually, he didn't think that way at all.

It's purely about grinding for proficiency in the system's skills.

Besides, staying around the school every day makes it easy to be mobbed by those enthusiastic fans. It's better to go out and have fun under the guise of field research, and at the same time, you can legitimately refer to those classic songs and videos.

But I can't say that.

It would be vulgar to say it out loud.

"but……"

Cheng Ming then feigned a troubled expression: "This plan is probably difficult for me to implement on my own, considering the equipment, vehicles, and post-production..."

"The school has covered it!"

"You can have whatever you want! Equipment? Pick whatever you like from the photography department's warehouse! The best of everything! Vehicle? You can use the Coaster that the school just bought! If that's not enough, we can rent more...!" Zhao Zhiqiang waved his hand, exuding generosity.

Cheng Ming smiled shyly: "Well... Principal, I'm not the kind of person who's extravagant. I'll save money wherever I can and try not to take up too many school resources. As long as the school gives me some support in terms of publicity, my team and I will do our best to help with everything else..."

"Listen to that! How sensible! Such a good child is hard to find even with a lantern!" Wang Jianhua was so moved he almost cried.

"Don't worry about the publicity! All the channels in the School of Media and Communication are open for you around the clock! You post a video, and I'll get all the faculty and students in the school to share it for you..." Zhang Shengli patted his chest and guaranteed.

"There's also the issue of education level."

Zhao Zhiqiang was completely carried away at this point. He paused, his gaze sweeping over the four deans: "You absolutely must have a spot in the graduate program! No, a combined Master's and PhD program! I'll personally write you a letter of recommendation..."

"Even if you don't have time to come back to class in the future, just having your name listed is fine! As long as you're a member of the Shuyin community, Shuyin will always be your strongest support...!"

This treatment is practically like that of a favored son.

Cheng Ming was overjoyed inside, but on the surface he remained calm and composed, unperturbed by praise or criticism.

"Thank you, Principal. Thank you, teachers."

Cheng Ming bowed again, "I will definitely live up to the school's expectations and strive to produce better works to bring glory to Sichuan Conservatory of Music..."

"Alright, alright, stop with the formalities."

Zhao Zhiqiang waved his hand, his face full of kindness: "Go and get ready. If you encounter any difficulties, just call me, or find one of your teachers. Anyone who dares to disrespect you, I'll deal with them!"

……

Five days later, the matter was basically settled!

In the studio, Gu Xiao found Cheng Ming and Wang Shuo with the financial report.

The usually decisive and efficient housekeeper's fingers were trembling slightly as she held the tablet computer.

The cold light from the screen reflected on her slightly pale face, made from staying up all night, and coupled with her already thin body, it was hard not to feel sorry for her...

The financial statements are out.

After taxes, after deducting the funds for registering "Niliu Media" and the rent and renovation costs of the office building, three months' worth of legal and financial expenses and working capital for daily operations in the company account will be reserved.

The remaining distributable profits were a suffocating figure for these students who had not yet graduated.

Five million two hundred and sixty thousand.

This is not just a crazy return on the massive online traffic generated by the "Shuyin Trilogy"...!

Furthermore, there was the staggering copyright fee for Wang Shuo and Cheng Ming's duet version of "The Wind Rises," as well as the initial payments for the several business placements that Gu Xiao had carefully selected and finalized, and the support from the school.

"Let's split the money..."

Cheng Ming casually uttered three words.

Immediately following was a series of rapid, suppressed breaths from Wang Shuo.

As Cheng Ming had said at the restaurant, this money was pure profit sharing, without any further explanation. Gu Xiao clicked the confirmation button for the bulk transfer.

"bite--"

"bite--"

The notification sounds of several text messages sounded particularly jarring in the quiet studio...

Cheng Ming will take 30%, which is 1.5 million.

Wang Shuo, as a veteran partner, received 15% of the shares, amounting to 750,000 yuan.

Gu Xiao, who was in charge of overall coordination and running around, received 15% of the proceeds, amounting to 750,000.

The three core figures, Lin Yiyi, Zhao Yufeng, and Huang Yuxi, will each receive 10%, amounting to 500,000 yuan each.

Even Lao Li, a classmate who was temporarily brought in to save the day and filmed two scenes, received half a share, 250,000 yuan.

The remaining half and odds were split equally among the "Three Musketeers of Shuyin" and the three brothers who had played minor roles, with each of them earning nearly 100,000.

"My...godfather...!"

Wang Shuo stared at the text message from his mobile banking app indicating that the money had been deposited into his account, frozen in place as if struck by lightning.

His eyes were wide open like copper bells, his lips trembled, and he made a "clucking" sound in his throat, unable to utter a complete sentence for a long time.

750,000.

For a college student who is still carefully budgeting for two or three thousand yuan of living expenses, this amount of money is simply astronomical.

With a "plop".

Wang Shuo's legs went weak, and he almost knelt down to perform a grand ceremony for Cheng Ming on the spot.

Fortunately, he was in good physical condition and managed to maintain his balance.

"Look at your pathetic self..."

Cheng Ming glanced at him, pulled his leg back in disgust, picked up his phone, and swiped a few times on the screen.

"Strategist, tell the finance department to allocate another 100,000 and transfer it to Takahashi in Japan. It's my way of showing respect for intellectual property rights..."

Gu Xiao was taken aback for a moment, then realized what she meant: "I understand..."

Although he paid for this small life out of his own pocket, one has to admire his honesty in doing things.

It's not really a matter of being unethical or not; it's just that Cheng Ming has never been one to owe others anything, even something as seemingly "borrowed" from someone across time and space. But paying double is more than enough.

"Alright, Fatty, the money's in your account. Stop acting like you've never seen anything like this before...!"

"Your parents have had a tough time, so take good care of them and don't waste your money on unnecessary things. If I find out you're getting cocky, don't blame me for being ruthless..."

Cheng Ming's gaze swept across Wang Shuo's face, his eyes carrying a hint of authority.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'll hand over all the money except for basic expenses..."

Although Wang Shuo has been a bit cocky these past few days, he hasn't been blinded by greed and remains clear-headed about right and wrong.

"Alright, I won't go into any more grand principles, but now that you've taken the money, you'd better get down to business...!"

"You don't need to urge me, my desire to perform has been burning fiercely for a long time...!"

Gu Xiao watched the whole thing unfold!

She's been working overtime lately and is so tired that she doesn't even want to talk. Now that she's finally done, all she wants to do is go home and catch up on some sleep!

..........