Huayu: A master director who debuted as a singer

Zheng Hui was completely clueless about this: "President, I really don't understand the ins and outs of commercial performances. Could you explain it to me?"

President Wang picked up his teacup, took a sip, and began lecturing Zheng Hui.

"Last year, on August 1, 1997, the state issued the 'Regulations on the Administration of Commercial Performances.' Since then, all commercial performances have been standardized."

"If you want to perform and earn money, you can't do it on your own. You need a qualified agency to help you apply to the cultural management department and get approval before you can perform."

"Moreover, you have to report the application in advance. If you have connections, you can do it 20 to 30 days in advance. If you don't have connections, it's common for it to take two months."

President Wang put down his teacup and continued, "If you want to apply for a talent agency, the requirement is to have 'employees with the corresponding professional skills.' As for what level of professionals are considered qualified, that depends on your connections. So, starting a talent agency isn't that easy."

He glanced at Zheng Hui.

"Most importantly, you are a Macao resident, which makes you a Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan artist. The regulations for managing Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan artists performing in mainland China are more stringent and the approval process is more complicated."

Zheng Hui was processing this information and felt a bit overwhelmed. He hadn't expected that organizing a performance in the 1990s would involve such complicated procedures.

"Well... could you recommend a reliable talent agency for me, Mr. President?"

President Wang pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

"Of course I can introduce you. I know several large entertainment companies in Guangdong. But your situation is a bit special."

"You became famous too quickly, and your foundation is still shallow. Now that you're approaching those big companies, they'll see you as a newcomer and will definitely squeeze every last penny out of you in the contract. Their commission rates are shockingly high. A 50/50 split is considered generous; many will split it 30/70, with you getting 30% and them getting 70%."

Zheng Hui frowned. What was the difference between this and a contract of servitude?

"However," President Wang changed the subject, "I do have a suggestion you might consider."

"I have an old classmate, Li Zongming. He used to work for a major media outlet in Beijing, covering the entertainment sector, and he had a very wide network of connections. Later, he was recruited back to our Southern Weekly in the south to become a department head."

"But recently he has become dissatisfied with some people and the atmosphere in the newspaper, and with the current trend of going into business, he has also started to consider it."

Zheng Hui listened quietly.

"His advantage is his network. He knows a lot of people in the media and entertainment industries. That's why he wants to switch careers and become a talent agent; he's already passed all the certification exams."

"Think about it, he has a lot of media resources and connections, especially in the entertainment industry. As for you, you are currently in a phase where your work is excellent and your popularity is exploding."

"If you two can get together, he can handle your operations, public relations, and resource acquisition, while you can focus on your music. What do you call that? A powerful combination! It will definitely produce a result greater than the sum of its parts."

"Of course, I'm just an introducer, making the connection between you. Whether you can get along and whether you're willing to cooperate depends on your own fate."

"I'll arrange for you two to meet and talk. Whether it works out or not, it doesn't matter."

Zheng Hui did not hesitate. Compared with those mature but inevitably exploitative large companies, a partner who is ambitious, has resources, and is willing to grow with him is undoubtedly a better choice.

"President, thank you so much. I'll do as you say, I'll see him."

President Wang picked up the phone: "I'll invite him to dinner tonight."

......

That evening, Zheng Hui met Li Zongming in a private room at a teahouse.

He was around forty years old, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a clean white shirt. He had a scholarly air about him, but his eyes were lively; he wasn't the kind of aloof scholar detached from worldly affairs.

After President Wang made the introductions, he excused himself to make a phone call, leaving the two of them alone.

Li Zongming poured Zheng Hui a cup of tea: "Mr. Zheng, I've listened to your song and watched the music video. To be honest, I admire you. In this market full of romance and love, you've forged a new path."

He didn't offer many compliments and went straight to the point: "Old Wang should have told you about my situation. I just left the newspaper and am basically all alone. I don't have the resources of big companies, but I have connections in the media circle."

"What you lack most right now is not exposure, but professional business operations. Commercial performances, endorsements, and copyrights are all channels that can monetize your fame, but they are very tedious to handle and can easily offend people."

Li Zongming looked at Zheng Hui: "If you're willing to trust me, we can work together. I'll handle these miscellaneous matters for you, and you can focus on making your music."

Zheng Hui asked, "So, how will the cooperation method and profit sharing be calculated?"

Li Zongming was prepared and took out a draft contract from his briefcase.

"I've studied the industry rules, and I know you're not an ordinary newcomer. I'll suggest a plan; see if it suits your needs."

"First, commercial performances. For the commercial performances I help you arrange, I will take 25% of the total revenue."

Of this, 20% goes to the affiliated entertainment company, who handles the approval process; I only actually get 5%.

"Secondly, endorsements and commercial projects. If I find an endorsement or project for you and you decide to accept it, I will take 10% of the commission."

"Third, for collaborations secured through your own connections or channels, if I'm not involved, I won't take a single penny. But if you need me to handle the specifics or clean up the mess, then I'll take a 5% service fee."

Zheng Hui picked up the draft and looked at it line by line. The conditions were quite generous.

Li Zongming positioned himself as a professional service provider, rather than a boss who controlled the fate of artists.

"Mr. Li, your terms are better than any other company on the market." Zheng Hui put down the contract. "I'd like to know why."

Li Zongming smiled, his smile revealing a hint of frankness.

"I believe in your potential. Your music is a rare find in this era, and you have a long way to go. I'm betting on the future. I've just changed careers and also need a successful case to establish myself. We're mutually supportive."

"Okay." Zheng Hui extended his hand. "It's a pleasure doing business with you."

He picked up a pen, signed his name at the end of the contract, and then took out ink from his bag and pressed his fingerprint on it.

The contract is for two years and is a commission-based agreement; for both parties, this is a trial period.

Li Zongming also signed his name and handed one of the copies to Zheng Hui.

"From now on, I'm your manager." Li Zongming stood up. "Tomorrow, I'll register a studio and then find a qualified entertainment company to affiliate with. We can start taking on jobs within a week at the earliest."