Rock and Roll: Glorious Years

A few minutes later, after the copyright director raised questions about copyright issues, Walker remembered the document Wang Wenhui had given him. He opened it and quickly found the relevant copyright authorization documents.

Although Wang Wenhui had always worked in the children's business, his professionalism was impeccable, with authorization agreements in Chinese, German, and English.

Just then, the copyright director asked Olaf, "Olaf, I saw you commented on that rock song that's currently trending on this music platform on YouTube. Do you think Chinese rock songs will be successful in Europe?"

Olaf didn't mince words, replying directly: "If it's to be officially released in Europe, I think it needs to be re-recorded. The current production quality is a complete waste of the talent of the Chinese music ensemble and the musicians. If I were to produce it, I feel it could compete for an EMA award."

When Olaf brought up the European Music Awards in such a formal setting as a meeting, the attendees had no choice but to take it seriously.

After all, this company's top producer has no fewer than 10 EMA awards, and the EMA awards are all decided by public vote, which is the best test of music by the market.

"So, could we use this song as a breakthrough for collaborating with Huaxia Music platform?" the marketing director asked.

Upon hearing this, Walker, who had been silent until now, placed the copyright license document directly on the table.

"Everyone, take a look. This is licensed by The Rolling Stones. If everyone recognizes the quality and potential of this rock song, I suggest we start with The Rolling Stones. The Xiazi platform is indeed larger and may have access to more song copyrights. However, this also means they might influence our choices for profit. But as everyone knows, aside from folk music, this is the first time in recent years that Chinese music has broken out of the Chinese-speaking world in Europe..."

Walker's persuasive words prompted everyone in the meeting to start thinking. They ultimately decided to follow Walker's proposal, since collaborating with Shrimp Seeds would require a considerable amount of time for initial communication and preparation.

But it's different with Wang Wenhui and his team. Collaborations on one or two songs can be launched in a short time, allowing them to test the market's true reaction in the shortest time and at the lowest cost.

After leaving the meeting room, Walker looked at Olaf and complained, "Olaf, I really regret the advice I gave Wang yesterday. You should know that your video not only helped him get the authorization, but it also put us in a completely passive position during the price negotiations!"

Seeing Walker, who always talks about business, get his comeuppance, Olaf laughed and said, "Walker, you should thank me. If it had been that music platform instead of Wang who got the copyright agency, do you think your life would have been easier?"

Hearing this, Walker smiled knowingly: "If I didn't know you and him well enough, I would suspect that you two had conspired beforehand! I'll call him up here right now..." Walker had a deep understanding of Wang Wenhui's dedication, and he was convinced that Wang Wenhui was definitely within 300 meters of the company at this moment.

Sure enough, when he hung up the phone and returned to his office on the 7th floor from the conference room on the 13th floor, Wang Wenhui was already standing at his office door with coffee!

"Wang, let me borrow a saying from your Chinese culture: Gold will always shine!" This was probably the first time Walker had given Wang Wenhui such high praise in a business setting.

"Walker, I don't deserve those words. I'm just making all the necessary preparations so I won't have any regrets later."

"Anyway, I admire your efficiency. Let's go inside and talk. I hope we can reach an agreement today!" This was the most polite Walker had ever been to Wang Wenhui in business matters.

An hour later, Wang Wenhui left Walker's office somewhat anxiously. After thinking for a while in the common lounge area, he finally decided to call Chen Shuting.

At 5 p.m. in Kunming, Chen Shuting was looking at the exclusive copyright licensing agreement sent by Shrimp Music. After seeing Wang Wenhui's call, she first checked the calendar on her computer to make sure her memory was correct before answering the phone.

Upon hearing the conditions proposed by Hoffman & Co., she was impressed by the efficiency and decisiveness of Wang Wenhui and Hoffman & Co.

"Mr. Wang, your efficiency is truly impressive, I'm very grateful! As for the issue of reproducing 'Dye the Night Black,' I need to consult Bian Lang, and I'll try to give you an answer before noon. For the other conditions, you can negotiate according to the corresponding market standards for European musicians; if there aren't too many differences, you can decide for yourself."

"Yes, the Rolling Stones and Bian Lang's work must receive this kind of respect and treatment. I will not compromise on this point. If Hoffman cannot reach a consensus with us on this point, I will continue to try to contact other music companies."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Wang. Please feel free to call me anytime if there are any new developments. My phone is on 24/7!"

After hanging up Chen Shuting's call, Wang Wenhui sat alone for 10 minutes before returning to Walker's office.

Half an hour later, Walker said reluctantly, "Wang, I think your bet is a bit too bold. It's just a trial collaboration for the first song. If it works well, I guarantee you that we'll follow the standards of European musicians for future collaborations!"

Wang Wenhui decisively refused, saying, "This isn't about money. Both Rolling Stones and I believe that The Rolling Stones' work deserves the same treatment as European musicians! Don't worry, my savings over the years are enough to cover the promotional expenses we'd have to pay you if this bet fails..."

Seeing that Wang Wenhui remained unyielding, Walker could only shrug and say, "Alright, I agree. The Rolling Stones are so popular on Crazy Scale right now, and they even have Bob's support. I hope your judgment is right, then we can both make a fortune, right?"

Wang Wenhui laughed and said, "Walker, do you think we can bet another bottle of champagne?"

Hearing this, Walker laughed and said, "It's a personal matter, then I'll prepare a bottle of Moet & Chandon for you. If you lose, I heard from Olaf that your wife is an excellent cook!"

"I hope we both win! Also, I hope you can keep this a secret from Rolling Stone for now..."

……

Bian Lang received a call from Chen Shuting at 5:30. Hearing that Wang Wenhui had already sent word, he asked the three people who were about to leave after rehearsal to stay a little longer.

After listening to Chen Shuting's account, he confirmed, "This version of the song is indeed lacking in post-production. I'd like to talk to Mr. Olaf first."

"Okay, I'll talk to them. The basic renovation of the studio will be completed tomorrow, and you can move back from the music store to rehearse." Chen Shuting also reported on the renovation progress.

"Okay, we'll come over and take a look later..." After hanging up the phone, Bian Lang told the three of them about Olaf's desire to re-produce "Dye the Night Black." Da Yong's immediate reaction was, "A business trip to Europe! That's great! It would be even better if we could have a few more shows!"

Before Bian Lang could even speak, Huang Kai immediately retorted, "Da Yong, look how cocky you are. So many bands, who's going to pay for their travel expenses?"

"If we're going to hire people to record in Beijing, there are over a hundred of us. It would be more like a solo music festival."

Magpie was prepared to be rebuffed as soon as she said that, but to her surprise, Bian Lang said, "There will definitely be an opportunity!"